Pakistan can unlock billions of barrels of untapped oil and gas by adopting modern AI-supported exploration techniques. Experts shared this optimistic outlook at the 2nd International Oil and Gas Conference 2025 held on Monday. They said technology can help Pakistan explore deeper, work faster, and identify resources with far more accuracy.
They also warned that Pakistan’s energy demand continues to rise while domestic reserves decline. Therefore, the country must act quickly to close its widening energy gap.
Kuwait Petroleum Country Manager Ali Taha Al Temimi delivered the keynote address. He said Pakistan’s domestic supply no longer meets national energy needs, forcing the country to rely heavily on fuel imports. He noted that Pakistan produces a maximum of around 4 billion cubic feet of gas per day, which falls far below national demand.
Temimi explained that tight gas, shale gas, and deeper reservoirs offer major new opportunities. Moreover, AI-assisted geological analysis can speed up discoveries and reduce the high cost of drilling.
Pakistan’s vast untapped potential was also highlighted by Temimi. He said mature basins may hold 10 to 20 billion barrels of equivalent oil. He added that the lower Indus Basin may contain 35 to 70 trillion cubic feet of tight gas and 95 to 105 trillion cubic feet of shale gas.
Temimi also pointed out that Pakistan’s offshore area covers over 282,000 square kilometres, yet only 18 wells have been drilled to date. Offshore regions alone may hold 6 to 7 billion barrels of oil equivalent in prospective resources. He said a single major offshore discovery could attract global energy companies, similar to how Namibia drew international attention after its offshore success.
Energy Update’s Managing Director, M Naeem Qureshi, opened the conference. He said the event brings together leading experts to discuss the challenges and opportunities in Pakistan’s oil and gas sector. He added that Energy Update has promoted energy-sector dialogue for nearly two decades. Mr. Qureshi thanked OGRA, OCAC, Nimex Petroleum Group, and sponsors, including PARCO, Pakistan Petroleum Limited, OGDCL, EngroVopak Terminal Limited, ILF Consulting Engineers, and SSGC LPG, for supporting the event.
Meanwhile, Joint Secretary Petroleum Shehbaz Tahir said the government has introduced reforms to stabilise the energy sector. He acknowledged that LNG-related challenges still exist but noted that domestic LNG-based connections have been reopened. He said Pakistan is also working with Azerbaijan and other countries on the development of the White Oil Pipeline.
Senior professionals from Pakistan Petroleum Limited, Pak Arab Refinery Limited, and Attock Refinery also shared insights on refinery challenges, supply pressures, and the urgent need for new exploration. Apex Energy CEO Raziuddin Razi and Barrister Sarah Kazmi addressed participants as well.
A special panel on gaseous fuels, covering LPG, natural gas, and LNG, was moderated by Moin Qazi of Nimex Petroleum Group. Panel members included representatives from OGRA, SSGC LPG, Kuwait Petroleum, the LPG Distributors Association, and senior journalist Khalid Mustafa.
The panel recalled that Pakistan had signed RLNG import contracts to operate power plants in Punjab during the national energy crisis. However, these LNG-fired plants are now largely redundant due to the increased availability of indigenous energy resources, especially Thar coal.
The experts said RLNG should instead be supplied to industries for running captive power plants. This would ensure uninterrupted electricity and support locally generated power. They also stressed the need for reforms to ensure efficient use of the surplus RLNG being imported.
The panellists further highlighted the importance of LPG for remote and rural communities that cannot access pipelined natural gas. They called for strict enforcement of safety regulations to protect end-users. They also discussed stabilising supply, addressing market distortions, and improving policy balance.
Speakers said Pakistan’s rising population, shrinking reserves, and widening energy gap demand urgent action. They urged rapid investment in exploration, faster approvals, stronger private-sector participation, and consistent long-term policies.
They concluded that AI-supported exploration and expanded offshore drilling can reshape Pakistan’s energy future, provided the country ensures political commitment and investor confidence.