Waziristan well boosts national gas supply

April 1, 2026 (MLN): The Spinwam-1 exploratory well in the Waziristan Joint Venture (WJV) has commenced production, adding 40m standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of gas and 200 barrels per day (BBL/D) of condensate to Pakistan’s national gas network.

Combined with the earlier Shewa-1 discovery, the Waziristan Block now contributes approximately 100 MMSCFD of gas and 800 BBL/D of condensate.

The Waziristan JV is operated by Mari Energies Limited, holding a 55% stake, alongside Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL, 35%) and Orient Petroleum Inc. (10%), according to the press release.

Production from Spinwam-1 is supported by a newly completed Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) transmission pipeline connecting both Shewa-1 and Spinwam-1 to the national grid.

Federal Minister for Petroleum, Ali Pervaiz Malik, attended the inauguration ceremony at Mari Energies’ Head Office, highlighting that discoveries such as Spinwam-1 enhance Pakistan’s energy security, reduce dependence on imported fuels, and support sustainable economic growth.

He also paid tribute to the sacrifices of law enforcement personnel, employees, contractors, and SNGPL teams, stating these efforts made operations in Waziristan possible.

Malik noted that local E&P companies have played a critical role in mitigating disruptions caused by regional tensions, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

He added that with government support under Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and military leadership, Pakistan has managed supply disruptions more effectively than many regional peers, ensuring stable fertilizer supply and comparatively lower domestic prices.

Mari Energies’ Managing Director & CEO, Faheem Haider, said Spinwam-1 shows the JV’s commitment to harnessing indigenous hydrocarbon resources, meeting growing domestic energy demand, and improving the reliability of gas supply across Pakistan.

Spinwam-1 is the second successful exploratory well in the Waziristan Block following Shewa-1, marking a significant milestone for the JV. The block’s combined output strengthens the national energy infrastructure, particularly for industrial and fertilizer sectors, which rely heavily on consistent gas availability.

During the event, participants also honored Shuhada and injured personnel, recognizing the courage and resilience of those operating under extreme security and operational challenges in the region.

The Waziristan JV aims to continue exploration and production efforts with ongoing support from law enforcement agencies, the Government of Pakistan, and relevant authorities, contributing to long-term energy security and self-sufficiency in hydrocarbons.

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