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
Growth through technological advancement and acquisitions
Orient further strengthened its technical capabilities by introducing advanced seismic technologies and became 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 Occidental Petroleum’s Pakistan operations, 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 discovery in Shakardara concession. OPI Gas was also established during this period.
2000 – 2009
Expanding portfolio through new exploratory licenses and discoveries
Exploratory efforts and the award of new licenses led to a period of rapid growth. Orient acquired an additional 25% share in Dhurnal and Ratana (2002), drilled multiple wells, and made a series of discoveries at Mirpurkhas, Khipro and Sinjhoro. Orient was also awarded 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 operated fields. Harnai South exploratory licence was added to the portfolio. The Company then achieved a step-change in scale with the acquisition of entire capital of BHP Pakistan’s operations, including its interest in the Zamzama field. During this period another oil discovery was achieved in Shakardara concession.
2020 – Present
Ongoing efforts
Orient expanded its exploration portfolio through working interests in Waziristan, Sari South and Saruna blocks, leading to a gas discovery in Waziristan. With the mandate of its JVPs, Orient commissioned a gas processing facility in a record time of eight months and commenced production, contributing to reserve additions and production growth. The Company also secured three deep-sea offshore licenses and joined hands with two new partners to execute work programmes in Marwat and Harnai South Blocks.