Islamabad June 7 2022: Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif has ordered the immediate release of gas discovered in the former tribal areas.
Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif was received by Waqar Ahmad Malik, Chairman, Military Foundation Group and Faheem Haider, Chief of Mari Petroleum, in which Minister of State for Petroleum Dr. Musaddiq Malik and Secretary Petroleum were also present.
The Prime Minister was briefed on the newly discovered reserves in North Waziristan and Bannu, as well as the overall situation, demand and supply of the gas sector.
Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL) had made a gas/condensate discovery resulting from its exploratory efforts at Bannu West-1 ST-1 Exploration Well drilled in Bannu West Block, located in North Waziristan, KP.
MPCL is the Operator of Bannu West Block having 55% working interest along with OGDCL and ZPCL as joint venture partners having 35% and 10% working interest, respectively.
The well was spud-in on June 06, 2021 and successfully drilled down to the depth of 4,915 meters, with MPCL own rig. During testing, Lockhart Limestone formation flowed gas at the rate of around 25 MMSCFD with Wellhead Flow Pressure (WHFP) of 4,339 Psi and around 300 BPD condensate at 32/64 inch choke size (Pre-acid). Further, Hangu Formation also flowed gas at the rate of 1.6 MMSCFD with WHFP of 297 Psi at 32/64 inch choke size.