Our History
Marking key milestones in Orient Petroleum’s growth as an upstream operator in Pakistan
Orient Petroleum commenced exploration activities in 1979 and made its landmark discovery at Dhurnal, one of Pakistan’s largest oil fields, which entered commercial production in the mid-1980s.
Over the decades, the Company has expanded its exploration and production portfolio through multiple oil and gas discoveries, strategic acquisitions and development of state-of-the-art production facilities.
Today, Orient Petroleum continues to grow through disciplined exploration, efficient field development and sustainable production to support Pakistan’s energy security.
1979 – 1989
Initial Activities and first discoveries
Orient Petroleum commenced exploration activities in Pakistan in 1979 and made its landmark discovery at Dhurnal, which entered commercial production in 1984. The Company subsequently developed Dhurnal field to a peak production rate of approximately 20,000 barrels of oil per day. In 1988, it acquired Bhangali field, where a further oil discovery was made and commercial production commenced in 1989.
1990 – 1999
Advancing capability and expanding the portfolio
Orient strengthened its technical capabilities by introducing advanced seismic technologies and becoming a pioneer in 3D seismic data acquisition in Pakistan. The Company also drilled the country’s deepest lateral well at Ratana.
During this period, Orient acquired entire share capital of Oxy Pakistan, adding Dhurnal, Bhangali and Ratana fields to its portfolio. It also secured working interests in five blocks and achieved further discoveries, including Naimat Basal and Siraj South, as well as first oil from Chanda in 1999. OPI Gas was also established during this period.
2000 – 2009
Growth through new exploratory licenses and discoveries
Exploration successes and new licence awards drove a period of rapid portfolio and capability growth. Orient acquired an additional 25% share in Dhurnal and Ratana (2002), drilled multiple wells, and made a series of discoveries, including at Mirpurkhas, Khipro and Sinjhoro, while expanding its exploration footprint with Marwat and Sakhi Sarwar licences.
2010 – 2019
Operational scale-up and strategic acquisitions
Orient strengthened its exploration and operational portfolio through new development activities across Dhurnal, Ratana and Bhangali fields, as well as the award of Harnai South licence. The Company then achieved a step-change in scale with the acquisition of entire capital stock of BHP Pakistan’s operations, including its interest in the Zamzama field. This period also saw the Chanda-5 oil and gas discovery.
2020 – Present
Continuous Operational growth & Expanding Capabilities
Orient expanded its exploration portfolio by acquiring working interests in Waziristan, Sari South and Saruna blocks and made a commercial gas discovery in Waziristan. Building on this success, the Company installed and commissioned gas processing facility at Waziristan field in a record eight months and commenced commercial production. This period witnessed reserves addition and production enhancement. The Company also secured three deep-sea offshore licenses in consortium with major local and international E&P companies.