Assessing Reservoir Potential: A Study of Petroleum Deposits in Pakistan

Abstract

The world powers are tempted towards the rich reservoirs of natural resources in Pakistan. These natural resources take millions of years to form. The oil and gas exploration started in the world in 1840. The history of exploration on the Pakistani territory is older than Pakistan itself, it’s more than a century. Exploration in Pakistan had been started in late 1952 in Baluchistan near a giant Sui gas field.  Geographically the land area of Pakistan is divided into six sedimentary basins having oil reservoirs underneath called onshore Basins.   The sea area falling in the territorial jurisdiction of Pakistan is divided into two offshore sedimentary basins. The basins’ location, its potential for oil and gas reservoirs along with significant drilling activity is discussed one by one. The requirements of oil and gas in Pakistan along with the production and consumption of oil & gas are also discussed briefly. Future projects and prospects for easy Exploration & Production (E&P) in Pakistan. The strategic impact of Economic and Foreign policies in the region and influence of CPEC on natural resources are also mentioned. The prevailing security condition of the Country viz-a-viz lack of machinery and skills are also the major reason of unexplored natural resources. The latest policy in reduction of unnecessary steps required for getting approval to start drilling activities in potential areas is a sign of improvement in exploration and production. Strict adherence to policies and merit-based deployments are required for professionalism and eradication of corruption.

Keywords: Natural resources, Pakistan, Baluchistan, Exploration and production, CPEC, territorial jurisdiction, oil, gas, professionalism, eradication, corruption, economic and foreign policy