The discovery of oil and gas in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa brings a rare moment of cautious hope for Pakistan’s struggling energy sector. At a time when the country faces rising fuel imports, growing electricity shortages and pressure on foreign exchange reserves, any addition to domestic energy supply is welcome news.
The find in Kohat district by the state-run Oil and Gas Development Company Limited is not just another technical update. It is a reminder that Pakistan still has untapped natural wealth beneath its soil. According to OGDCL, the exploratory well produced 4,100 barrels of oil per day and 10.5 million cubic feet of gas during testing.
These are encouraging figures, especially when placed against Pakistan’s widening energy gap. The country’s heavy reliance on imported oil and gas exposes the economy to global price shocks, inflation and balance of payments crises. Domestic discoveries, even modest ones, can help ease this pressure.
However, discovery alone is not enough. The real challenge lies in how these reserves are used. Authorities must act wisely and responsibly. Gas, in particular, should not be prioritised for domestic use as gas is not a luxury fuel for cooking and heating. Industries and power generation can make a turnaround if run on cheap gas. This discovery should also push policymakers to think bigger. Pakistan has already taken a bold step by using Thar coal for power generation. While coal comes with environmental concerns, it has reduced dependence on imported fuel.
A similar national approach is needed for other major resources. The Reko Diq copper and gold reserves are a prime example. Instead of exporting raw material, Pakistan should focus on domestic processing and value addition.
This would create jobs, strengthen local industry and reduce reliance on imports. Energy planning must be long-term and people-centred. Short-term gains and quick fixes have hurt Pakistan in the past.
