In a major breakthrough, Pakistan has discovered significant gas reserves of 351.2 billion cubic feet (BCF) in North Waziristan’s Shiwa Fields, projected to supply the nation with gas for the next 17 years.
This discovery will add 70 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) of gas to the national grid, potentially reducing reliance on costly fuel imports and saving substantial foreign exchange.
Pakistan’s energy landscape is set for a positive transformation with the discovery of vast gas reserves in North Waziristan’s Shiwa Fields.
The recent find of 351.2 billion cubic feet (BCF) of gas promises to supply the country with energy for the next 17 years, significantly reducing Pakistan’s dependence on expensive imported fuels.
The gas, extracted from the Shiwa-2 well, will soon contribute 70 million cubic feet per day (MMCFD) to the national gas grid, a development expected to boost the country’s overall gas production by more than 3%.
According to Mari Petroleum’s 2024 Annual Report, the company is now fully prepared to inject the 70 MMCFD of gas from the Shiwa-2 well directly into the national network.
To facilitate this, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) has constructed a brand-new pipeline, which is currently undergoing hydro testing, as confirmed by industry analyst Sunny Kumar from Topline Research.
The project had faced multiple delays due to security challenges in the region, but the pipeline’s construction was successfully completed in August 2024.
Following the commissioning of initial production facilities (EPF), the gas will be gradually integrated into the national gas network, marking a critical step in bolstering Pakistan’s energy security.
A Boost for National Energy Security
This discovery is particularly significant as it is expected to improve the country’s overall gas supply by more than 3%.
This development will not only enhance Mari Petroleum’s production capacity but also substantially boost the company’s revenue stream.
Furthermore, diversifying the company’s gas portfolio, this discovery will help Pakistan minimize its dependency on expensive imported fuel, thereby conserving valuable foreign exchange.
With global energy prices fluctuating and Pakistan grappling with an energy deficit, this domestic gas discovery is a beacon of hope.
Once fully operational, the project is anticipated to make a considerable impact on national energy consumption, potentially lowering the overall energy costs for businesses and households across the country.
Strategic Importance for Pakistan’s Economy
The North Waziristan gas discovery comes at a critical juncture for Pakistan, where economic stability is closely tied to energy availability and affordability.
The country has long struggled with a widening energy demand-supply gap, which has led to increased reliance on imported fuels.
The discovery of indigenous gas reserves offers the potential to reduce this dependency, easing the financial burden on the government and consumers alike.
This newfound gas reserve could also play a vital role in stabilizing Pakistan’s currency by decreasing the import of costly liquefied natural gas (LNG).
As a result, the savings in foreign exchange can be redirected to other critical sectors of the economy, fostering sustainable growth.
The Road Ahead: Increased Production and Economic Growth
As the gas begins to flow into the national grid, the gradual ramp-up of production will ensure that Pakistan’s gas needs are met for the foreseeable future.
Industry experts believe that this discovery is just the beginning, with further exploration in the Shiwa Fields holding the promise of additional untapped reserves.
Mari Petroleum’s success in navigating both the technical and security challenges in the region highlights the importance of local energy exploration.
The company’s commitment to increasing domestic gas production underscores its vital role in supporting Pakistan’s energy security and economic resilience.
The discovery of these new gas reserves in North Waziristan is a game-changer for Pakistan’s energy sector.
With the potential to supply gas for nearly two decades, the project is a crucial step towards reducing energy imports, enhancing national energy security, and saving valuable foreign exchange.
This development is poised to offer long-term benefits to the economy, strengthening Pakistan’s position as it moves towards energy self-sufficiency.
