Saturday, March 29, 2025
Pakistan Claims Major Oil and Gas Discovery in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—Boost for Reserves Amid Local Grievances
Pakistan announced a significant oil and gas find in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif hailing it as a game-changer for foreign reserves and import costs. The discovery in Kohat district’s Nashpa Block could yield 4,100 barrels of crude oil and 10.5 million cubic feet of gas daily, per Pakistan Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL).
In a high-level petroleum meeting, Sharif congratulated agencies, stating: “Local exploration will reduce imports, strengthen forex reserves, and cut oil/gas purchase expenses.” Officials noted ample gas supply this year, targeting 350,000 new connections by June 2026.
Similar finds have occurred in Balochistan, but both KP and Balochistan lag far behind Punjab economically. This fuels strong anti-Punjab sentiment, with locals accusing Punjabi dominance in the army, politics, and administration of exploiting their resources without local development.
Despite natural wealth, underdevelopment persists, amplifying grievances over resource distribution.
