Drilling for Shale Likely to Begin in Pakistan Next Year

Pakistan expects drilling for shale gas to begin in the country next year.

Federal Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources Shahid Khaqan Abbasi announced Monday that the government is working on a shale gas policy framework and drilling for this yet-to-be-explored energy source will start next year, The Express Tribune newspaper reported.

The minister said that some energy companies were interested in venturing into the exploration of shale gas.

He was speaking at the signing of an exploration licence and petroleum concession agreement for the Karak North block with Tallahassee Resources in Islamabad.

Earlier this year the newspaper had reported that Zaver Petroleum Corporation, an oil and gas exploration firm and a part of Pakistan’s Hashoo Group is eyeing investment in country’s oil and gas sector, especially shale gas.

In January, Eni and Pakistan discussed the need of enhancing country’s gas production by exploiting shale gas.

Pakistan has been facing severe energy shortage for last few years and is trying to source natural gas from various sources. It has been in discussion with Qatar to import LNG. Pakistan is also working to get gas from Iran through the proposed Iran-Pakistan pipeline project, which at the moment is stuck due to US sanctions on Tehran, although Iran has completed the section of pipeline that lies on its soil.

 In January, Eni and Pakistan discussed the need of enhancing country’s gas production by exploiting shale gas.