The discovery was made at the ‘Baragzai X-1’ exploratory well in the Nashpa Block. The well is producing 4,100 barrels of oil per day and 10.5 million cubic feet of gas per day, according to the company.

OGDCL said the well was drilled to a depth of 5,170 meters. A hydrocarbon-rich zone measuring 187 meters was found in the Datta Formation, confirming strong commercial potential.

Tests showed stable production at high pressure, indicating the field can deliver sustained output. Officials said this makes the discovery commercially viable.

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OGDCL operates the Nashpa Block with a 65 percent working interest. Pakistan Petroleum Limited owns 30 percent, while Government Holdings Private Limited holds the remaining 5 percent.

The company said the new find will strengthen Pakistan’s energy reserves and help reduce reliance on expensive oil and gas imports. Local production, it added, will improve the supply-demand balance.

Earlier, OGDCL had also made a discovery at the Baragzai X-01 slant well in the same block. That well was producing 2,280 barrels of oil per day and 5.6 million cubic feet of gas per day, showing the area’s strong potential.

Pakistan is believed to hold tight shale gas resources, though large-scale production has yet to begin. OGDCL is now fast-tracking its shale gas program with plans to drill five to six wells in 2026–27.

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Officials estimate each shale well could produce 3 to 4 million cubic feet of gas per day. If successful, the program could expand to hundreds of wells across the country.