By SKM
September 04, 2025
ISLAMABAD: In a significant boost to Pakistan’s energy sector, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has announced a major oil and gas discovery at its Dhok Sultan-03 well in the Potwar region, located in District Attock, Punjab. The discovery marks a major milestone for the country’s upstream energy industry and is being hailed as the second deepest oil find in naturally fractured carbonate formations in the area.
Drilled to a depth of 5,815 meters, Dhok Sultan-03 is the second successful well in the block operated by PPL in partnership with Government Holdings (Private) Limited (GHPL). The well targeted the Patala and Lockhart formations and yielded highly encouraging results. On testing, the well produced up to 2,113 barrels of oil per day along with 4.13 million standard cubic feet of gas per day (MMscfd), indicating robust reservoir quality and pressure.
The discovery comes as a result of months of integrated geological, geophysical, and reservoir engineering work. PPL credits its in-house team for deploying advanced drilling techniques and optimizing well design to tackle the complex sub-surface challenges. The effort not only delivered a breakthrough but also helped reduce drilling time and control costs — a rare achievement in deep and technically demanding plays.
“This discovery is a testament to PPL’s technical depth, resilience, and commitment to Pakistan’s energy future,” said Imran Abbasy, Managing Director and CEO of PPL. “It reinforces our ability to tap into complex reserves and deliver results that strengthen the country’s energy independence.”
The Dhok Sultan-03 find underlines the untapped hydrocarbon potential of the mature yet under-explored Potwar–Kohat sub-basin. With this success, PPL is once again proving its ability to unlock new reserves in challenging geological settings, supported by data-driven decision-making and cutting-edge exploration technologies.
Energy experts believe that discoveries like this one are critical for reducing Pakistan’s reliance on imported oil and gas. As the country battles a growing energy import bill and depleting foreign exchange reserves, locally sourced hydrocarbons are becoming increasingly essential.
With PPL holding a 75% working interest in the Dhok Sultan Block and GHPL holding the remaining 25%, the commercial success of the discovery could open up new development opportunities in the region. The company plans to carry out further evaluation and development work in the area to assess full field potential.
As Pakistan faces mounting energy challenges, the Dhok Sultan-03 discovery offers a glimmer of hope — a reminder that domestic exploration still holds the key to securing a more stable, self-reliant energy future. Ends
