RAWALPINDI: Oil has been discovered in “a substantial quantity” at Kot Sarang in Campbellpur district 70 miles southwest of Rawalpindi. Official sources told [the agency] the oil well discovered at Kot Sarang is currently flowing at the rate of between 500 to 1,000 barrels per day. The crude oil is of heavier type.

Oil was discovered at a depth of 4,029 metres by Soviet experts who are exploring oil in co-operation with the Oil and Gas Development Corporation. Officials said tests will now be carried out at three or four zones to establish the extent of oil deposit. The quantity of oil at Kot Sarang is not yet known, but is believed to be substantial, and its commercial exploitation is understood to be feasible.

Further drilling and testing at various zones with oil potential will be done immediately. The testing in various zones will help in determining the extent of the oil deposit and the quantity which is expected to be available from this source, officials said. Kot Sarang is located between Balkesser and Dhulian oilfields. Located 20 miles from Dhulian, Kot Sarang is a new structure.

Officials of the Oil and Gas Development Corporation and some of the Soviet experts today [Jan 25] had a meeting with the Secretary, Industries and Natural Resources, Mr S.S. Jafri, and are understood to have discussed further drilling operations and plans for Kot Sarang.

Published in Dawn, January 26th, 2018