Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has announced a significant oil and gas discovery at its Dhok Sultan-03 well, located in District Attock, Punjab, marking a major milestone in the country’s upstream energy sector.
According to a press release issued by the company, the well flowed 1,469 barrels per day (BPD) of oil and 2.56 million standard cubic feet per day (MMscfd) of gas at a wellhead flowing pressure (WHFP) of 1,147 psig on a 32/64" choke. On a 48/64" choke, the well produced 2,113 BPD of oil and 4.13 MMscfd of gas at 813 psig WHFP.
PPL termed the results “highly encouraging,” describing the find as the second deepest oil discovery in naturally fractured carbonate formations in the Potwar region. The Dhok Sultan-03 well is part of the Dhok Sultan Block, where PPL operates with a 75% working interest, alongside Government Holdings Private Limited (GHPL), which holds the remaining 25%.
We are proud to announce a significant oil and gas discovery at our Dhok Sultan-03 well in Punjab.
— Pakistan Petroleum Limited (@PPL_Corporate) September 4, 2025
This milestone marks the 2nd deepest oil discovery in naturally fractured carbonate in the Potwar region, showcasing PPL’s strong in-house expertise and technical excellence pic.twitter.com/5i5b1vggZu
The Dhok Sultan-03 well was spudded on January 18, 2025, and drilled to a total depth of 5,815 meters to test the hydrocarbon potential of the Patala and Lockhart formations.
“Testing results were highly encouraging, the well flowed 1,469 barrels per day of oil and 2.56 MMscfd of gas at Wellhead Flowing Pressure (WHFP) of 1,147 psig on a 32/64” choke, and 2,113 barrels per day of oil and 4.13 MMscfd of gas at WHFP of 813 psig on a 48/64” choke,” stated the PPL release.
PPL credited the breakthrough to “rigorous geological, geophysical and reservoir engineering data analyses” that enabled the company to overcome challenging drilling conditions by optimizing well design—resulting in reduced drilling time and cost savings.
The company stated that the Dhok Sultan-03 find is expected to make a meaningful contribution to Pakistan’s energy mix by adding domestic reserves and reducing the need for energy imports. The discovery is the second successful find in the Dhok Sultan Block.
“PPL remains committed to responsibly exploring and developing Pakistan’s natural resources, ensuring long-term value creation for the country and its people,” the statement concluded.
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