Pakistan’s hydrocarbon sector received a significant boost in 2025 as a series of new oil and gas discoveries expanded the country’s reserve base and extended the lifespan of its domestic energy resources. According to industry data compiled by Arif Habib Limited (AHL), Pakistan’s overall hydrocarbon reserve life has increased to 17 years, supported by notable growth in both oil and natural gas reserves.
The country’s proven oil reserves rose by 6% year-on-year to 253 million barrels by December 2025. A major contribution came from the Baragzai field, which added more than 21 million barrels of reserves, while additional gains were recorded from the Bettani and Shahdadpur fields. Natural gas reserves also increased by 4%, reaching approximately 18,854 billion cubic feet (Bcf), driven by reserve additions in Mari Ghazij, Shahdadpur, Shewa, Bettani, Baragzai, Spinwam, and Soho.
Industry analysts noted that the improvement in reserve life was primarily discovery-led. Newly identified fields, including Spinwam, Baragzai, Bitrism East, Chakar, and Faakir, collectively contributed around 23.8 million barrels of oil and 367.2 Bcf of natural gas to Pakistan’s hydrocarbon reserves by the end of 2025. As a result, the estimated reserve life of natural gas has extended to 18 years, while oil reserves are now expected to last approximately 11 years.
The discoveries come at a critical time for Pakistan, which remains heavily dependent on imported crude oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas (LNG). With global energy markets facing uncertainty and supply risks linked to regional geopolitical tensions, strengthening domestic energy production is increasingly viewed as a strategic priority. Recent government initiatives have also focused on expanding exploration activities and enhancing energy security through improved storage infrastructure and reserve management.
Experts believe that continued investment in exploration and production activities will be essential to sustaining reserve growth, reducing import dependence, and improving Pakistan’s long-term energy resilience. The latest discoveries underscore the untapped potential of the country’s upstream sector and provide renewed optimism for the future of domestic energy development.
