Pakistan has reported a fresh oil and gas discovery in Kohat, raising hopes of easing the country's persistent energy supply gap through increased reliance on domestic resources.

Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) announced the find at its Baragzai X-01 (Slant) exploratory well, located in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, according to a filing with the Pakistan Stock Exchange. The discovery was made in the Lumshiwal formation under the Nashpa Exploration License.

OGDCL operates the license with a 65 percent working interest, alongside Pakistan Petroleum Limited holding 30 percent and Government Holdings (Private) Limited carrying a 5 percent stake. The joint venture structure reflects a coordinated effort among key domestic stakeholders in hydrocarbon exploration.

During testing in the Hangu and Lumshiwal formations, the well-produced oil at a rate of 225 barrels per day and gas at 1.01 million standard cubic feet per day. The output was recorded through a 32/64-inch choke at a wellhead flowing pressure of 190 psig.

The exploratory well was spudded in December 2024 to assess hydrocarbon potential across multiple formations, including Lockhart, Hangu, Lumshiwal, Samana Suk, Shinawari, Datta and Kingriali. Drilling reached a depth of 5,170 metres into the Kingriali formation.

Earlier tests conducted in Kingriali, Datta, and Samana Suk plus Shinawari formations had already yielded oil and gas, indicating a broader resource presence within the site.

The company said the latest discovery is expected to strengthen its reserves base and contribute to addressing Pakistan's energy imbalance. By adding indigenous output, the find could reduce reliance on external supplies while supporting domestic production capacity.

The development underscores ongoing exploration efforts aimed at unlocking untapped hydrocarbon potential, as the country seeks to stabilise its energy sector through local resource development.