According to the OGDCL, the discovery was made in the Lumshiwal Formation during a Cased Hole Drill Stem Test. The well produced 225 barrels of oil per day and 1.01 million standard cubic feet per day of gas. The test was conducted through a 32 by 64 inch choke at a wellhead flowing pressure of 190 psig.

The Baragzai X-01 well was spudded on December 30, 2024, to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential of several geological formations, including Lockhart, Hangu, Lumshiwal, Samana Suk, Shinawari, Datta, and Kingriali. The well was drilled to a total depth of 5170 meters, reaching the Kingriali Formation.

Earlier tests carried out in the Kingriali, Datta, and Samana Suk plus Shinawari formations had already confirmed the presence of oil and gas. The latest results from the Lumshiwal Formation further strengthen the commercial viability of the Nashpa block.

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The OGDC operates the Nashpa Exploration License with a 65 percent working interest. Its joint venture partners include Pakistan Petroleum Limited, which holds 30 percent, and Government Holdings Private Limited, with a 5 percent carried interest.

The company stated that this discovery will help enhance Pakistan’s indigenous hydrocarbon production. At a time when the country is facing energy challenges and rising import costs, such finds are seen as crucial steps toward improving energy security and reducing the supply-demand gap.

Energy experts believe that continued exploration successes like this could play an important role in stabilizing Pakistan’s economy and lowering reliance on imported fuel.