E-Paper | March 06, 2026

No oil, gas reserves found at Kekra-1: Petroleum Division

Tahir Sherani | Dawn.com Published May 18, 2019
The cost of offshore drilling at Kekra-1 site was estimated at Rs15bn, according to an official of the Petroleum Division. — AFP/File
The cost of offshore drilling at Kekra-1 site was estimated at Rs15bn, according to an official of the Petroleum Division. — AFP/File
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Offshore drilling at the Kekra-1 site near Karachi has found no reserves of oil and gas, according to an official of the Petroleum Division.

Hours after Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated that there is a chance of discovering "massive reserves at the site by next week", the Petroleum Division said that the drill did not yield the desired results.

"ExxonMobil, ENI, PPL and OGDC were conducting the drill at Kekra-1. More than 5,500-metre-deep drilling was conducted but oil and gas reserves were not found. The drilling work has now been abandoned," an official told DawnNewsTV.

"The cost of the drill was estimated at Rs15 billion," he added.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on petroleum division, Nadeem Babar, also confirmed to Geo News that the search did not find any reserves.

The development came after Prime Minister Imran on multiple occasions fuelled the hopes of Pakistan "hitting an oil and gas jackpot" — the latest of which came earlier today during his speech at a fundraising event in Peshawar for the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre.

"A well is being dug near Karachi, and it seems that we would know within one week ... and it is possible that we could find such a massive gas reserve that Pakistan would never have to purchase gas from outside," the premier said.

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Tahir Sherani is an Islamabad-based reporter for Dawn News (TV) with 16 years of experience. His coverage focuses on the national economy, energy, cabinet affairs, the Establishment Division, and the Prime Minister’s Office.

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Kkl
May 18, 2019 11:07pm
I knew this. Entire system fooling people to live on empty hopes.
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Angry Pitbull
May 18, 2019 11:09pm
Where is the jackpot?
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Najam Ul Abideen
May 18, 2019 11:09pm
So hilarious!! That sums up the performance so far. A laughing stock indeed!
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Zuk
May 18, 2019 11:09pm
Dear PM now that the plan B is gone what is the plan C ?
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Raja_Idrees
May 18, 2019 11:09pm
I had that feeling because otherwise it was already a big news. Ashamed of this unprofessional behaviour.
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Babol
May 18, 2019 11:10pm
Game Changer Burst
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Jaleel
May 18, 2019 11:11pm
Let's build our economy in a sustainable and concrete way so that we need not be reliable oil reserves.
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Farrukh Arshad
May 18, 2019 11:12pm
Chapter closed then !!
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Vayuputra
May 18, 2019 11:12pm
So the bubble has finally burst.Believe in hard work rather than jackpots.
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Faran
May 18, 2019 11:12pm
What a waste of money and emotions!
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Prateik
May 18, 2019 11:13pm
All hopes dashed.
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Faran
May 18, 2019 11:14pm
How come someone come to invest in our country on hoax opportunities. Sometimes I feel the mineral reserves in balochistan is also a hoax.
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kamal
May 18, 2019 11:14pm
Oil and Gas jackpot is over now. We were also told about the CPEC jackpot. Waiting for the new jackpot now.
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petere
May 18, 2019 11:15pm
Hours after Prime Minister Imran Khan reiterated that there is a chance of discovering "massive reserves at the site by next week", the Petroleum Division authorities confirmed that the drill did not yield the desired results.....That's the problem !
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HashBrown®
May 18, 2019 11:16pm
@Najam Ul Abideen, "A laughing stock indeed!" Eh? How exactly is it a laughing stock? These kinds of explorations happen all over the world - sometimes they're successful, sometimes not. Yes, it was silly of PMIK to constantly talk about the project, but it's not as though he's to blame for the result...
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Abdul Rab Siddiqi
May 18, 2019 11:17pm
Bad news. Lots of good expectations have been pinned with drilling. The discovery could have been brought a positive impact on dwindling economy but all efforts n investment were gone in vain. However, drilling data could be used in future for drilling and study purpose. Bad luck for Pakistan.
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Farooq
May 18, 2019 11:17pm
People are taking him for a ride
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Moiz
May 18, 2019 11:18pm
So now we need more IMF loans...
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Salaria
May 18, 2019 11:18pm
Shows how immature IK really is. He had almost declared the oil find.
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Khana-Baba
May 18, 2019 11:18pm
Disappointment at it's peak for Pakistani nation...
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AHMED 40
May 18, 2019 11:19pm
This selected PM is not working please bring back the elected PM..
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Soothsayer
May 18, 2019 11:19pm
Me Vadva should resign immediately as per his own commitment.
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Tikendra
May 18, 2019 11:20pm
ExxonMobil got paid in dollars?
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Jd
May 18, 2019 11:21pm
Who find the well in first dig tell me?
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Qadir
May 18, 2019 11:22pm
Was it the big jackpot that Imran went gaga about or is that yet to come?
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Ahmed
May 18, 2019 11:22pm
How ill informed is our PM.
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Sachin
May 18, 2019 11:22pm
1500 crore gone down the drain. Imran prices once again that he is just an Inflated balloon that boomed and It's bursting from all sides...i am sure he will "take stock" of the situation "Call a review" and order "strong measures" to be taken to the officers...as usual....
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Faisal
May 18, 2019 11:23pm
Rs 15 billion lost.
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NAWAB QASIM JAAN
May 18, 2019 11:24pm
RS 15 billion, which could have been used to pay off debt.
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Hayder
May 18, 2019 11:25pm
No problem next time
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Sachin_Soni
May 18, 2019 11:26pm
No change. Few years back, Nawaz has discovered gold mines. Now IK has discovered Oil& Gas.
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kamal chowkidar
May 18, 2019 11:26pm
It was a googly mixed with off spin, leg spin and fast bowling. No one could able to understand. Now, I want to know about the next jackpot?
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Justice
May 18, 2019 11:26pm
Drill for reserves of Zardari and shariff bank accounts
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Rakesh Sharda
May 18, 2019 11:26pm
Its like counting your chickens before eggs hatch
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Tariq_usa
May 18, 2019 11:26pm
Ina lillah hi wa ina ilahi rajiyon!
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A shah
May 18, 2019 11:27pm
How long will this government lie to the people?
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A shah
May 18, 2019 11:28pm
Fool me once...shame on me....fool me twice.....
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A shah
May 18, 2019 11:29pm
So where is the $200billion?
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AJITH KUMAR REDDY
May 18, 2019 11:30pm
I have been telling this , Imran Khan is more drama & less business
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Marvel
May 18, 2019 11:31pm
Next investment on finding Gold or platinum, keep your fingers crossed
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Jerry
May 18, 2019 11:31pm
Now NAB need to investigate how many kickbacks has been taken in this failed project and who authorized it,why in this hard times tax payers money wasted, who give the hint that there is oil reserve, which departments and institutes are involved, also investigate ministers and PM for it.
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Jam
May 18, 2019 11:32pm
Now that what we called MEGA CORRUPTION case.
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NK
May 18, 2019 11:33pm
Always depending on high hopes and claiming this will happen and that will happen will ruin the PTI govt. But their seem to be no lesson learned.
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Omar
May 18, 2019 11:34pm
You don’t announce anything unless there is confirmation .
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Masroor
May 18, 2019 11:36pm
Utterly disappointed!
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Ahsan Gul
May 18, 2019 11:36pm
PM must show patience and say nothing unless absolutely sure about issues or incidents. He must learn from this episode. Sincerely
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NK
May 18, 2019 11:37pm
My question to the PM would be: Did he played cricket on hopes. Why do you come out with outcomes before it really happens.
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aslam khan
May 18, 2019 11:37pm
Oil is there. They are not going to hand over to an incompetent government. They will return at a more suitable time.
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Justicefirst
May 18, 2019 11:40pm
We must work hard and selflessly to improve our living conditions.Singapore has no natural resources but she has robust economy.
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Sami
May 18, 2019 11:42pm
PM Imran Khan is a little naive and simple. He should not speak to the public until things are confirmed. It makes him come across as someone I’ll informed
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Anwar Saleem
May 18, 2019 11:42pm
PM should come on national tv and apologize to the nation for giving fake news himself a few weeks ago.But again this whole set is built on fake mandate lies, deception and nation is facing the consequences.Economically stable country has been destabilized and pushed into economic chaos.Small egos.
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sonu
May 18, 2019 11:42pm
That is fine....no problems....just fire the dude who wrote a false report to the pm
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Fastrack
May 18, 2019 11:43pm
The fundamentals of our economy are so strong that even after this minor setback , no one can stop our stupendous march towards prosperity and glory
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Observer
May 18, 2019 11:43pm
You are in 21st century, it is not possible to imagine that huge amounts of gas or oil stay hidden until now. They should have confirmed everything before making a fool of themselves.
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Canadian
May 18, 2019 11:45pm
PM should verify facts before making statements. He is not leading a cricket team, he is leading the country.
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Bajake Thokdia
May 18, 2019 11:46pm
Why did IK had to make a preemptive announcement? To sooth people's woes by deflecting to a dream.?
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Tariq
May 18, 2019 11:46pm
Rs15 billion for another dry hole, generously funded by Pakistani statet owned PPL and OGDC
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Vorshal Handa
May 18, 2019 11:47pm
That was short-lived, indeed!
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Aby
May 18, 2019 11:47pm
Public should understand due to sins of previous government and its corrupt hard-core secular politician deeds oiled reserve got lost and dried down.
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Jjacky
May 18, 2019 11:47pm
PMIK has made himself a laughing stock.
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PAF Thunder
May 18, 2019 11:51pm
Let's suppose Pakistan had reserves, Nawaz and Zardari would have sold it long ago.
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Lone star
May 18, 2019 11:51pm
It's ok, you have CPEC.
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Aliali
May 18, 2019 11:51pm
Hardly had any good news since PTI has taken over. Just hoping all economic situation will get better in the long run. Can’t imagine this situation after 2 years
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Sayyar Khan
May 18, 2019 11:52pm
Let’s drill somewhere else now.
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Isac
May 18, 2019 11:53pm
IK is now a politician and knows how to tackle the situation remember his statement on U turn.
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Kamal Khan
May 18, 2019 11:54pm
Why couldn't they figure it out in the geophysical survey?
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Mansoor
May 18, 2019 11:54pm
Hated PTI but now have sympathy, and fear where they are leading us.
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Zaid khan
May 18, 2019 11:55pm
Never loos hope if it was found this same people would appreciated it
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Hwh
May 18, 2019 11:55pm
No one can change Pakistan, dosen't matter who is in the power. Betting around the bush will not help to overcome the problem. The main problem is that Pakistan has not understood what the real problem is. Anyway, good luck.
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John
May 18, 2019 11:55pm
Now PMIK should tell everyone that instead of finding oil, we wasted $15bn
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Qamar
May 18, 2019 11:57pm
@Kkl, not only fooling but also minting money as commission
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Bilal Hameed
May 18, 2019 11:59pm
Misfortune never comes alone.
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Ghulam mustafa
May 18, 2019 11:59pm
It’s best no to speak when you are under the influence!!!
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FAZ
May 19, 2019 12:00am
@Najam Ul Abideen, Yes its hilarious if you consider the hype created. India did 40 attempts before hitting a 350k per day reserve. We already did 17. This is how it works
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Ahmed
May 19, 2019 12:00am
Is it alright to laugh at this or to cry?
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KJ
May 19, 2019 12:00am
Rs 15 billion, 100 million USD, down the drain, from the much needed money at home.
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Salvi
May 19, 2019 12:03am
IK and his govt has been fooling people, and will continue to do so.
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Ahmed Kamal
May 19, 2019 12:05am
Being PM of a country, IK should avoid speculating about discovery. He has multiple time found discussing and giving hope without any concrete evidence.
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Danish
May 19, 2019 12:05am
SC must take action against IK and others who gave false statements about discovery of oil and gas drilling and giving false hope to innocent people . NAB also take action against Minister of petroleum who wasted so much on drilling without any results. These guys are not Sadiq and AMin
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Syed A. Mateen
May 19, 2019 12:05am
First people were shown sweet dreams that foreign oil companies are digging deep near Karachi to explore oil and gas reservoirs in the sea and people should pray for it. If oil and gas reservoirs are found in Pakistan they will be enough for 50 years and people will flourish but behind the curtain of sweet dreams prices of electricity, gas, petrol were highly inflated by the government and deal with IMF was also concluded. Now people of Pakistan after listening this bad news they are holding their heads as what shall they do?
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Suryaputra
May 19, 2019 12:05am
Fortune favours the brave. Not to people who want to become rich overnight through jackpots.
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Rag
May 19, 2019 12:07am
So in short its time to send them home, worst government ever came in, people thought they are fools now it seems they are more corrupt than any others, this whole project is total scam to waste tax payers money, smell fishy to me.
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Alien1
May 19, 2019 12:08am
He said the same thing before coming to power, that he will never beg or will not take IMF loans.
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Majnu786
May 19, 2019 12:08am
I guess this "Jackpot" plan was laid out to lure IMF into lending(Talks were going nowhere with Asad Umar at helm) without tough conditions. Looks like IMF is a seasoned player.
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Shafat Bhat
May 19, 2019 12:09am
very unfortunate. those who are laughing should be ashamed of themselves. but it is good in way that both govt and ppl wl learn to stand on their feet without hoping for any miracle to rescue and bailout them
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Ranajyoti
May 19, 2019 12:09am
@Jaleel, truthfulness is required to make a nation not false claims and luck. Hope you got my point.
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Shahid Kamal
May 19, 2019 12:11am
Who will trust such a leader who has so far given only falls hopes and aspirations.
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Harish Chandra
May 19, 2019 12:12am
This is typical behavior of a politician, no matter which country or party one belongs to. Grandiose visions; promises, promises, promises; plentiful future free from all worries. I am rather surprised how fast Imran Khan has learned this trick.
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WBM
May 19, 2019 12:14am
This is how government will complete its 5 year period. PM IK knows to govern the country: Make big claims and promises, public particularly educated and urban population will believe and defend Imran Khan, that he will bring real change in the country. One should understand in these 10 months, how he is prepared and competent enough to implement his manifesto. Country need genuine political party and leadership, which we lost in first three decades.
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Raza
May 19, 2019 12:16am
PM please act maturely and weigh your statements before delivery. Don't become a laughing stock!
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Gaur
May 19, 2019 12:17am
It's hilarious !
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waseem
May 19, 2019 12:18am
There was only 18% chance of finding anything.
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Sohail Pirzada
May 19, 2019 12:22am
$101+ MIllion gamble with fake promises by a selected leader, pretty much more of the same.........
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realistic
May 19, 2019 12:22am
Immature political leadership living on HOPES.No clear road map.
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Leo
May 19, 2019 12:25am
Let the conspiracy theories begin !
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Viq saad
May 19, 2019 12:25am
Never give up hope.
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Gaur
May 19, 2019 12:26am
Indo-Israeli kaanspiracy !
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Shaukat
May 19, 2019 12:30am
Since UAE, Qatar, Kuwait are friendly towards Pakistan why don't they lay Pipelines within the next 3 years & solve this problem. Iran Pipeline is due. Yes funds are important. Thanks to PPP & PML-N for reducing the country to shambles through corruption...
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Chaos
May 19, 2019 12:30am
Instead of drilling please start grilling Dubai, London, Larkana and Jatti Umra. Jackpots lie there
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Anuj
May 19, 2019 12:31am
Who's gonna bear Rs. 15 billion ?
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Rahim Gul
May 19, 2019 12:34am
Now everyone would say that he knew this in advance.
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Hamit
May 19, 2019 12:35am
Dig deeper
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ANAND
May 19, 2019 12:35am
the cost of exploration $100 million could have utilized to get Solar or renewal energy to generate at least 500 or 1000 MW sustainable energy instead wasting time & money both.
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Zeeshan Ahmed
May 19, 2019 12:36am
Why not tap the second largest gas reserves in the world that are in Balochistan?
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Zaid
May 19, 2019 12:37am
We believed that KEKRA will take us our bad economy from Sea Typhoon to the safe shores but KEKRA itself collapsed.
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Aamir
May 19, 2019 12:41am
IK played with our emotions. As a nation, we have to learn that there is no jackpot but only hard work that pays.
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Philosopher
May 19, 2019 12:42am
@Fastrack, The fundamental of your economy is loans and aid. Both are becoming weaker.
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Guardian
May 19, 2019 12:44am
Please check who made the money riding on speculations about "jackpot".
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Philosopher (From Japan)
May 19, 2019 12:47am
I think this time oil n gas took a U turn rather than PTI n IK.
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Waqar
May 19, 2019 12:47am
@Justice , Awesome! love the reply
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Indoaryan
May 19, 2019 12:50am
How long before the no found gas/ oil reserves near Karachi is blamed on Modi stealing Pakistani oil reserves?
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Fuad
May 19, 2019 12:50am
To make a calculated search is better than not to search
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RationalBabu
May 19, 2019 12:52am
@Fastrack, admire your optimism!
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ibrahim
May 19, 2019 12:53am
Pakistanis Always ask one question why would Exxon invest so much on hoax. Answer is its a sham to get some more dollar from Pak. Exxon is a Exploration Company they have permanent Exploration machinery and Men whom they have to pay, weather they work or Not. So instead of keeping them idle Exxon used them. Exxon also Tested its latest Drill tech which it will sell to Other intnl companies like ONGC of India etc. The 50% cost which is believed to be spent by Exxon is actually nothing because they had to spent it anyhow on their capacity. What they got is Golden deal of getting 50% of their Workforce and capacity and Profits salary paid by Pakistan, and as it was 15% chance to discover oil, if they have Got the oil they would have controlled 75% stake in it.......Basically pakistan Lost badly here because no one is there in pakistan to ask questions to govt after reading out whole deal. Pak is not a Democracy but a Dictatorship..
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Lamp
May 19, 2019 12:54am
@Ahsan Gul, can’t agree more
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fawad
May 19, 2019 12:56am
@HashBrown®, So your point is ?!
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Rizwan
May 19, 2019 12:57am
Mr PM stop dreaming.
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Parvez
May 19, 2019 12:58am
Go back to about 1957 and a company called , I think , Sun Oil ...... and a similar story of sorts is told. With the find being capped on the pressure of a neighboring country. What the truth is, this time around is anyone's guess.
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SKB
May 19, 2019 12:58am
How is your PM even responsible for this failure? The oil and gas exploration business is not simply dependent on invest and draw divident principles, but also by probability theories. A man can only invest in exploration. Even if oil is struck, one has to determine if extraction would be economically viable. This man simply hopes that oil is found and his detractors are at his throat?
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Ashok De, Calgary
May 19, 2019 12:59am
To my feeling its a lucky sign for Pakistan.No oil found , no vultures will look at Pakistan. Pakistan now will have a good chance of not becoming another Iraq or Libya.Now Pakistan can concentrate in developing itself the hard way, look at Japan. I will say GO PAKISTAN GO, DO NOT LOOK BACK AND REGRET. Ashok De, Calgary, Canada.
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fawad
May 19, 2019 01:00am
@FAZ, why do we need to create so much hype on just 17, that's what we want to know .. we can do all this silently it's not like IK is responsible for these discoveries. trying to cash on such discoveries is a bit lame in my perspective you may differ.
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Ranajyoti
May 19, 2019 01:01am
@Abdul Rab Siddiqi, this data will help in future to confirm how not to boast on something that is yet to happen. And for general public, don't believe politicians at their face value in future.
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Swiss Neutral
May 19, 2019 01:01am
There is no alternative to hard work
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Khan wazir
May 19, 2019 01:03am
Now Minister vodha will be laughing at himself. What a childish mentality was shown by the government during this whole discovery drama.
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MazZak
May 19, 2019 01:03am
@Sami, It's not about being naive and simple. It's about being foolish and irresponsible. How can IK declare the Oil find when Exxon mobil was still digging those wells ?. PM of a nation is a responsible position, IK needs to understand that
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Ash Man
May 19, 2019 01:03am
I’m sure it is the fault of previous governments and also it’s an international conspiracy.
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UK
May 19, 2019 01:04am
The dream of Naya Pakistan crashes long back when they fired Arif Milan. Everyone knows they deserve this
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Shan
May 19, 2019 01:04am
This is the same guy who said in 80s that Pakistan will win Cricket world cup one day :) promises is all he knows to make
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Indoaryan
May 19, 2019 01:05am
@Faran, Research and development is a costly business because it quite often ends in failure. But that shouldn't stop any country looking for energy. Let's give the current Pakistani Govt. full marks for trying. You need to keep trying if you want to be successful .
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Adam
May 19, 2019 01:07am
@Shahid Kamal, one unfortunate thing and all of sudden the leader is bad. I thing you guys only deserve pmln and ppp. They will produce the oil and gas reserves that you needed all these years.
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Markhor
May 19, 2019 01:07am
What is wrong if no oil or gas found? At least we took a risk.
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MazZak
May 19, 2019 01:07am
@FAZ, India never announced that it has hit Oil & Gas jackpot even when it found it's reserves. IK on the hand made formal announcements number of times including 24 hours back too about the oil find
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Abdul Ghaffar
May 19, 2019 01:08am
PM should now know the meanig of probability....
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Dr.Siddiqui
May 19, 2019 01:10am
The drilling work has now been abandoned!..."hitting an oil and gas jackpot"...IK ought to realize science and politics are two different domains...let the experts talk about these issues based on scientific data and not on political speculations...IK badly needs some good advisers and advice on economic front...people who know implications for price hikes for Roti, daals, electricity and gas on common people! Thanks to "electables, he succeeded in becoming PM, but the electables turned out to be impediment for progress!
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Adam
May 19, 2019 01:10am
@Rag, how is it worst govt? You try different options to get yourself out of this mess that your beloved previous govts got us into. So in trying these options you have to spend some tax payer money. If they had found the reserves than they would be the best govt.
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Moltke
May 19, 2019 01:11am
@Faran, The mineral riches fo Balochistan is absolutely true. Otherwise, the fighters won't be laying down their lives for it. The surreptitious 'export' of those resources are unknown to the Pakistani people which fits in with the general scheme of things in Pakistan.
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Sohail
May 19, 2019 01:11am
It should be noted that the money for drilling was not paid by Pakistan govt. Exploration companies use their own money and that's why they take their share if their is something found.
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Habib Syed
May 19, 2019 01:12am
Sad to hear this bad news. Another hope dashed away. Premature statements & hopes demoralize nations.
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patriotic guy
May 19, 2019 01:14am
Govt is waiting for miracles.......may we found any oil well near karachi.
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Moltke
May 19, 2019 01:16am
Under the circumstances, Imran Khan should silently work & not pass unwarranted comments or make false promises. Pakistan just needs transparent governance & not miraculous finds. People are resourceful & given the right environment, they'd prove to be the biggest 'jackpot'.
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Naveed Burki
May 19, 2019 01:18am
It is stupid to assume that all wells drilled for oil or gas yield oil or gas. There is always hope and the tech data shows oil or gas. it is like research, which does not always gives the remedy. So it is foolish to say that false hopes were given.
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James
May 19, 2019 01:20am
Rs. 15b spent will be taken out of incoming imf funds
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Naveed Burki
May 19, 2019 01:20am
@Kkl, how did you know? If you knew, why did you not tell Exxon Mobil of your finding? Or is it that you want show negativity?
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Fahad Hussain
May 19, 2019 01:21am
@Kkl, you are very intelligent
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Asad khan
May 19, 2019 01:21am
Drilling and failure is not unusual phenomenon.But announcement by PM of a country at the mid of the drilling shows how simple, immature and ill informed our PM is and there is even no sensible advisor on treasury benches to guide him.
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Moin
May 19, 2019 01:21am
No need for disappointment. IK should order to start drilling of at least 10 such more wells with involvement of Fauji Foundation, irrespective of cost, if oil and gas is found, it shall change the fate of the country.
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Osman
May 19, 2019 01:22am
@Najam Ul Abideen, This is an amazing comment: It shows no understanding and zero depth. Well done, sir. It's easy to be a keyboard warrior and engage in drawing room politics. Explain to me how a barren discovery "sums up the performance so far." Why don't you step in and take the reins? PTI inherited a distressed asset in the form of Pakistan? It's been less than a year. It takes time and an ungodly amount of effort to execute a turnaround. You're one of those people - with zero understanding - who complain that because tomato prices have increased that this is somehow PTIs fault.
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Ali
May 19, 2019 01:24am
Happens when you go looking for new discoveries.. No big deal we've had a few good hits in sind.. Keep exploring
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Vikas
May 19, 2019 01:24am
Take a lesson Pakistanis. No messiah or game changer or magic wand is going to come and change the fate of Pakistan overnight or in a centuary. The only way to come out of a problem is hard work. Waiting and believing in these game changers and getting rich without hard work is futile and stupidity. Sadly now you cannot even trust your own Prime Minister.He has a habit of jumping the gun and getting excited like a three year old. I wonder what his administraion and negotiation skills are like. He has never worked any job or business nor been a minister or a Chief minister or even an executive or an officer in a company or government, ket alone making him thePrime Minister.
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Awt
May 19, 2019 01:25am
The nation is reminded of the stories of Shaikh Chillee of school days by Imran khan.Bravo! keep it up
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Nasir
May 19, 2019 01:26am
Well, keep trying as far as these oil companies are willing to invest! Keep this front open!
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Vikas
May 19, 2019 01:27am
At least they should have waited till after Eid to declare thsi failure. At least Ramadan and Eid would have gone with some hope for the people. Let alone PMIK himself making a fool of himself where is that minister who was giving jobs to foreigners because of over demand for people within two weeks???
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syed Ali Raza
May 19, 2019 01:27am
same result as was aspected in past many times had drilled the ocean and nothing founded.
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JP
May 19, 2019 01:29am
I feel that China will claim mineral reserves in balochistan if Pakistan is not careful..
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Awt
May 19, 2019 01:31am
20 years of struggle on false hopes by an incompetent and taking machine "statesman",teaching younger generation about true values of real leaders.What a disappointment
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Mike
May 19, 2019 01:32am
Keep Trying!
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JP
May 19, 2019 01:36am
PM IK is in hope to find something big but in rush he told public that Pakistan is sitting on large oil reserve.
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Vikas
May 19, 2019 01:38am
@Ahmed, Ill informed? Just hope he knows the Dollar has crossed PKR 150 today if he has watched some TV news. That's how he usually gets to know these things, through TV news. Wonder how he got to know about the 'soon to be" found Oil and Gas that "soon"? In fact he is still saying we will let you know about it in a week. this announcement of failure is by the Oil exploration company.
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Jamil Soomro, New York City
May 19, 2019 01:38am
The obvious result of unchecked Emotionalism since long nine months?
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Vikas
May 19, 2019 01:40am
@A shah, "So where is the $200billion?" 200 Billion. Pakistan was to be a 30 trillion (I may be missing a zero) USD economy sir after CPEC and this latest "game changer" thee 'soon to be" found Oil and Gas whose "soon" will sadly never come.
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Vikas
May 19, 2019 01:42am
@Marvel, "Next investment on finding Gold or platinum, keep your fingers crossed" That "game changer" sir is very old already played by NS in his earlier term in Baluchistan. Poor Baluchis are still waiting for Gold in their homes....
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Vikas
May 19, 2019 01:45am
@Observer , "They should have confirmed everything before making a fool of themselves" "They" should have confirmed?? The "Prime Minister" of Pakistan himself in person, in front of cameras from News Channels told the entire world. You are saying "they"? He should have kept quite and confirmed rather he went like an excited ten year old being told a secret and blurted it out to gain some brownie points.
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Syed Danish Hassan
May 19, 2019 01:45am
@Najam Ul Abideen, what does that have to do with performance ? They were out to find something , they didn’t . Gods will! . Don’t fuel your anti govt agenda .
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Vikas
May 19, 2019 01:45am
What a shameful thing for PMIK. He should resign if he has some self respect.
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Moth
May 19, 2019 01:47am
This nation is waiting for “manu salva” and not willing to work hard.
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Peter
May 19, 2019 01:48am
Sad! Counting chicken before eggs are hatched. Saw some desperation in the comment.
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Vikas
May 19, 2019 01:50am
Maybe there is hope in "Crab -2" (Kekra -2) That can now be the latest "game changer". The title will also remain the same of the "game changer".. "soon to be" found (huge amounts of) Oil and Gas. I think PMIK should carry on with NS's "game changer" CPEC. Every government does need to give the public some new "game changer" to fool them by raising false hopes, One can keep the old one alive.
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Jigar J
May 19, 2019 01:51am
Shocking news, how can it be possible that there is no oil in Pakistan backyard, dig deeper or drill a hole in PMIK backside, I m sure there will be plenty of oil there.
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Reality Check
May 19, 2019 01:54am
Poetic justice if there was any.. we would've been the new Nigeria, rich would've gotten richer, nothing would've come the poor's way.
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Kris
May 19, 2019 01:58am
This is a good thing. It is better to get rich the right way using 21st century opportunities. Oil and gas are 20th century opportunities which will go away in a couple of decades. Even KSA is looking to diversify away from oil based revenue.
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khandk
May 19, 2019 01:58am
No Oil, No Gas, No IMF, I think we have everything! First try to walk on one side of the road.
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Malik Saab
May 19, 2019 02:03am
I always used to ask my mom that what is the actual name of "Sheikh Chilli". She used to say that I should figure it myself. And today I figured out that it is Imran Khan and his supporters.
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Al Akbar
May 19, 2019 02:07am
Running the country on lies and false bravado all these decades
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Shubs
May 19, 2019 02:07am
@HashBrown®, I agree, oil exploration fails in most cases. But this govt. needs to learn the value of measured comments.
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Fauji Khan
May 19, 2019 02:10am
One more tight slap on the face of the civilian government of pakistan -- waste of money and time on this senseless effort Hand over all resource management to to the faujis -- fauji danda is the only solution for pakistan
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Vikas
May 19, 2019 02:11am
Don't feel sad! Can always go back to the old "game changer" CPEC. I am sure CPEC will work and Pakistan would be the richest and the most powerful country on Earth "soon". Just like the "soon" to be found oil and gas.
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Munzir Naqvi
May 19, 2019 02:13am
This is fine. More opportunities will come. Maybe the timing isn't right. When there is a credible team around the Prime Minister who geniunely care to make Pakistan in to Quaid-e-Azam's vision for a peaceful, progressive, and prosperous Pakistan, miracles will happen. We still have the curse of the Hyatt being unopened, we all know the history of the one in Karachi, but the curse remained in Lahore and Islamabad as well. You know great news is on the way when the curse of Hyatt being unopened is broken. Timing plays a role in everything. Prime Minister still needs a more competent, dynamic, and ambitious team around him who will work hard and bring in the passion for the development of Pakistan. Pakistan hasn't seen great days since the Ayub Khan era, the time has come for us to step up and transform Pakistan.
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Kalyan
May 19, 2019 02:16am
Instead of drilling for oil maybe they could consider tapping solar energy which is abundant in the region. The solar energy could Ben converted to electricity that can power homes and electric vehicles. It can also help against global warming. Rs15 billion down the drain instead.
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IWantHope
May 19, 2019 02:18am
Keep digging or drilling
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Khany
May 19, 2019 02:24am
I've learned a new lesson today. Not even a barrel of oil reserve was discovered. I thought Pakistan was on the process of discovering a specific target of oil reserves. But sometimes you assume the numbers could be less than expected. Unfortunately their was nothing at all. Pakistan lacks expertise and knowledge of professionals. Now more debt. I dont think Pakistan will ever come out of debt the way things are going.
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Vijay
May 19, 2019 02:25am
Gugly by imran
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NewBorn
May 19, 2019 02:26am
This selected PM needs to leave immediately.
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Jinnah
May 19, 2019 02:27am
Disappointing news, but I am glad in a way, we will now pay more attention on green sources of energy and make the necessary investment for infrastructure of the future and technology instead of relying on lottery's and sill property speculation that dose noting for the country. Start working and make investments for the future not the past and protect our country from the effects of climate change and pollution.
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Sujoy
May 19, 2019 02:32am
@Fastrack, You were sarcastic i hope on your earlier comment , if not then you are delusional! The very first step in solving any problem is to acknowledge one!
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Nizamuddin Ahmad Aali
May 19, 2019 02:32am
This is not unusual. Exploration is not a finite science and calculations and interpretation can go wrong. There nothing funny about this.
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Veer Singh
May 19, 2019 02:32am
Another pipe dream sold by Imran Khan goes bust.
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Faran
May 19, 2019 02:32am
We could have built a dam with the money spent on hoax.
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Veer Singh
May 19, 2019 02:35am
How many millions of dollars of the taxpayers money was spent to find this "jackpot"?
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Roshan
May 19, 2019 02:43am
Its a policy in every country that announcement is made only when proven, history shows that PM's of Pakistan have used these cheap tactics before, the people should understand the politics behind these cheap tactics.
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2 cents
May 19, 2019 02:45am
15 Billion Rupees to dig a well? !! Oh, I forgot it was the Pakistani Rupees.
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Insaaf Hussain
May 19, 2019 02:46am
Time for oil is over. World is moving towards non-fossil fuels and renewal energy sources. We have loads of sunshine, wind and atomic energy. Let us move forward and stop squandering our resources on soon to be outdated technologies. Building outdated coal power electric plants with CPEC is also a waste of time and money not to talk of damage to environment.
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Shahid
May 19, 2019 02:51am
Pakistan should invest 1 billion dollars and go for further drilling in the block. All surveys show the sector being oil rich, and it is just a matter of drilling at the right spot.
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Abdul Rashid
May 19, 2019 02:53am
@Zuk , Plan C is Kekra-2, Plan D is Kekra-3 and so on until reserves are found.
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Abdul Rashid
May 19, 2019 02:55am
@kamal , PM Imran Khan presents the new jackpot-IMF bail out jackpot of $6 billion over 3 years.
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Dr. Faazil Ahmed
May 19, 2019 02:56am
Read his ex-wife’s book recently. She has mentioned about the constant drug use by IK. I’m sure these oil drilling companies must’ve approached him during his drug fueled sessions, and convinced him to pay Rs1500 billion even during such a terrible economic crisis
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Abdul Rashid
May 19, 2019 02:57am
@Tikendra, yes $15 billions.
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anil kumar
May 19, 2019 02:59am
Really it is surprising to discover how much low we are as a nation. It is definitely a piece of bad news but bad news for our country as a whole. Some people are celebrating the news as if it was a piece of personal sad news for IK. After 32 dry wells, Norway found its first oil reserve in the North Sea. We, after only 18th. attempt celebrating the failure. No wonder Pakistan was ruled most of the times by Thugs.
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Aziz Rakla
May 19, 2019 03:01am
No worries, we will work hard, finish corruption and make Pakistan prosperous country.
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Khaled
May 19, 2019 03:06am
Earlier PMIK urged to pray for the good news. I think you guys have not prayed well. Next time pray harder.
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Desi Dimaag
May 19, 2019 03:09am
No problem. CPEC jackpot is still around to fool poor people.
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AKB
May 19, 2019 03:12am
It is not must that everywhere one drills well,will find gas or petroleum. It is a continuous process and the efforts must continue. PM Imran Khan wanted to give good news to the nation but it has not materialised.
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IMF
May 19, 2019 03:12am
If you put some rockets under that Rig, maybe Pakistan will be in the space race. Just ensure it is pointing UP and have some dry matches.
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MAGAMAN
May 19, 2019 03:13am
Looks like he lost that massive gas... find.
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American by Heart
May 19, 2019 03:16am
What a waste of poor taxpayers money. Money that could have been used towards building dam or other important infrastructure.
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Awt
May 19, 2019 03:18am
The real jackpot is the visionary government of clowns installed in the name of Tabdeeli
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Khan
May 19, 2019 03:18am
Better luck next time at some other place.Hope is the best thing.
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Syed
May 19, 2019 03:19am
Khan sb out hit wicket
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Sfz
May 19, 2019 03:22am
Unconfirmed news
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Khan
May 19, 2019 03:22am
Good performance by Maryium and Modi social media teams by looking at comments here.do these efforts for some good to societies.your bad comments cannot change the results of natural course of action.
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Rationalist
May 19, 2019 03:22am
$15B poor. Exxon and other drillers sure made money. Amazing.
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Khan
May 19, 2019 03:23am
This digging was not done by Shoukat khanum drilling company.its not imran khans loss but of whole nation
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The Truth Spy
May 19, 2019 03:24am
Why would someone criticize PM for not finding oil and gas he tried his best, but when I read all the negatives comments that's why you people don't deserve it and your mindset is terrible
Recommend 0
Faiza
May 19, 2019 03:25am
Thank you PM for ridiculing Pakistan in the international media. We were already healing from the Science Minister's claim that Pakistan had built the Hubble Space Telescope. Wonder what blunder statement will come in next.
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Rs1126
May 19, 2019 03:35am
Oil drilling is always a game of probability and am sure all parties involved were dedicated and earnest. Should take the lessons learned and move on.
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Mr Khan
May 19, 2019 03:39am
First Prime Minister that try to find natural resources for mitigating the problems of his country. In Pakistan nobody like an honest man.
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Adi
May 19, 2019 03:43am
@Justice , ya ya and dont do any concrete development or work himself, looking in the past never helps as we have as many zardaris etc in every department and cadre! Best way is to take responsibility of today and do something for the future. Hollow promises of bringing back the so called looted money can be a popular slogan but has no real remedy for this nation's problems. But why work when slogans alone are enough to win the election, so people will still be searching for naya Pakistan like they have been doing for roti kapra and makaan!
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brmurr
May 19, 2019 03:43am
If you guys are looking for a jackpot, want to be a millionaire, I’d suggest rounding up all the terrorists that have a bounty on their head, and exchange them for the rewards. It’d be the single biggest contributor to Pakistan’s GDP.
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Jay
May 19, 2019 03:44am
@Kkl, Those who don't make effort get nothing. You should appreciate his efforts.
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Dr.Shams
May 19, 2019 03:50am
This Gov. is becoming laughing stock every weekend.
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Taimur
May 19, 2019 03:50am
a jackpot of inflation i guess
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TheArchitect
May 19, 2019 03:52am
HOPE - The quintessential Pakistani delusion that is simultaneously their greatest strength and their greatest weakness.
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Chanakya
May 19, 2019 03:55am
Such false claims from an on duty PM of a country will keep foreign investment completely away.
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Shoaib
May 19, 2019 03:56am
Commiseration to Imran Khan.
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Rebirth
May 19, 2019 03:56am
On the bright side, if they found something, they would have made him travel like the last PM after the LNG deal and then, of course, we all know how that played out. He went to meet his sister. This PM would've gone to meet his cousin. But on a serious note, I really can't make sense of why the PM would put all his eggs in this basket? If this was his only plan to grow the economy then I think we should all be far more disappointed than he is likely to be after hearing that nothing was found.
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Kim
May 19, 2019 04:04am
This has happened many times in the country
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Zeeshan Hussain
May 19, 2019 04:10am
Kekra1 project team may have already wrapped up work but As of now PTI social media team is very busy .In a few hours you will see social media posts blaming Nawaz Shareef for wasting 100 million dollars in drilling kekra1. PTI pages sharing proof the project was indeed started by Pmln team.
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Aslam
May 19, 2019 04:10am
Except for Mr and Mrs Khan, did any one else ever thought we could hit the gas/oil jackpot?
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Sohail
May 19, 2019 04:10am
‘Sheikh Chilly’ type of strategy planned by the Goverment..
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Tariq
May 19, 2019 04:11am
It takes hundreds of wells before a discovery is made. Offshore Israel it took years and a small company from Oklahoma that discovered the reserves. Now Israel exports gas to Egypt and Jordan. Pakistan has large reserves which will take a lot of exploration to find.
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Uday Kulkarni
May 19, 2019 04:14am
This is shocking that just in few hours of the statement given by a PM of a country about big Oil & Gas discovery; the Petroleum Division denies that no Oil or Gas was found and drilling work is being abandoned. This can happen only under two conditions . First condition - the benefit of doubt case is the PM is being ill informed and not updated by his ministry from time to time which speaks for sorry state of affairs of a country. The 2nd & more worrying condition is IK was acting more like a politician & NOT like a PM by diverting the attention of public from the economic woes of the country by providing false hopes in an effort to hide the economic situation which is out of his government's control. This is sad state of affairs & I am now worried that Pakistan could face political turmoil if strong steps are not taken to improve revenues by reducing imports drastically & increasing exports.
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Bhaijan
May 19, 2019 04:19am
In Urdu an old saying which in English says “ Dug for mountain and found a mice” PM IK in fact got input from ministry of petroleum, he just inform the people accordingly. Even on land exploration it’s all speculative unless confirmed by the exploration company. It’s OK PM IK must keep it up, the Badin area has great prospects of oil,gas, besides Runn of Kutch too are good areas for that India-Pak can jointly explore in partnership, the Indian side of Kutch Basin already producing a significant oil & gas..
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Zia the second
May 19, 2019 04:25am
@Zuk , Plan C: Ask iron brother for more money. Plan D: Ask friendly countries for more money. Plan E: Ask IMF for more money.
Recommend 0
Khopdee
May 19, 2019 04:26am
So much noise!
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Ali Imran
May 19, 2019 04:33am
it is national loss being a Pakistani but we should hopeful about exploration of oil and gas reservoir.
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Common
May 19, 2019 04:39am
Naive
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Muslim Medina
May 19, 2019 04:39am
Do not lose hope. There have been instances where initially oil and gas reserves were not found. Keep on looking may bring good news.
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MaDoc
May 19, 2019 04:42am
The discovery of Oil, Gas or any other reserves is an ongoing process that requires continuous investment at all stages. The failure is not new, as it is a part of the process The debacle here seems to be misleading and sensationalising the prospect, without having a firm confirmation of the discovery. The people at the pinnacle of power, seem to be reactive and not well versed in realms of power, the electioneering mode is ongoing. To say the least, conduct is abhorrent from the various entities involved, it is irresponsible and detrimental to raise the hopes and dash them. The State of conduct is consistent, one must give this to current regime. Steady hands is order of the day, as all in charge must act and lead with responsibility
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Philosopher (From Japan)
May 19, 2019 04:42am
I think this time oil n gas reserves took a sharp U Turn rather than PTI or IK.
Recommend 0
Jeevan Karkera
May 19, 2019 04:42am
Now, Imran Khan should put Million in Billion of Pakistani Rupees in Betting to hit Jackpot.
Recommend 0
Jay
May 19, 2019 04:46am
This government has been a laughing stock all these months they have been in n power.
Recommend 0
Imtiaz Ali Khan
May 19, 2019 04:47am
Never give up the start is difficult but it's worth the struggle for our beautiful Pakistan. Good going Prime Minister of Pakistan Honorable Imran Khan. IndoPak Blood Brothers 4 Life!
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Marvel
May 19, 2019 04:50am
Don't stop the drilling, maybe we will find gold or platinum mine
Recommend 0
Harsha
May 19, 2019 04:55am
Imran Khan could have spend this 200 Million on hydro power or solar power instead and brought down the oil bill by around 100 million. Imran Khan has not even learnt even a bit from China
Recommend 0
Ali (CA)
May 19, 2019 04:56am
No oil was reported before the drilling by independent experts
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Pathanoo
May 19, 2019 04:57am
Don't worry. CPEC and our "All Weather Friend" China will gas us up.
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Pathanoo
May 19, 2019 05:03am
Pakistan, You want to solve Gas problem? Drill Imran Khan's Head. It's full of Gas.
Recommend 0
Slimebay
May 19, 2019 05:07am
Naya Pakistan of Imran Khan.
Recommend 0
Rehan
May 19, 2019 05:10am
Failure is start of success! Great works! Keep trying, its a good start
Recommend 0
Mubbashir
May 19, 2019 05:15am
We don't need to find out new ambiguous reserves at heavy cost.The only need is to exploit the already present sources wisely.It will be enough to overcome energy crisis but , for this government has to think above of their political interests.
Recommend 0
Aslam
May 19, 2019 05:15am
which country beat the drums before the event is ended.Thats pakistan for u.
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Kashmiri
May 19, 2019 05:16am
I’m happy in a way as if there were any reserves discovered then trouble would have found its way to us just like libiya, Syria and Iraq.
Recommend 0
Imtiaz
May 19, 2019 05:21am
@Farrukh Arshad, no it’s Chapter 11 then.
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Victoria
May 19, 2019 05:21am
Reserves yes, but Pakistan will not find massive reserve of oil because massive reserves are not there, as is well known to most geologists.
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Maverick
May 19, 2019 05:26am
what was silly is PM IK said they we might hit a Jackpot. As far as the results of this exploration is concerned, well the probability is always quite low of finding oil and gas in these drillings, and for me that was not a surprise. In spite of this, PM IK should not have made statement; I think the bureaucracy made him look like a fool.
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Think Tank
May 19, 2019 05:27am
What else do you expect from Exxon?
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Shabbir Ahmad Taj
May 19, 2019 05:29am
Dig next well.
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sayed haider
May 19, 2019 05:31am
It shows that the PM is impetuous in his statements. He should educate himself about the business of OIl and Gas before making a statement that makes him look immature and some would say irresponsible. Leaders must not indulge in hopeful narrative that ends in misleading the nation at large. I had cautioned everyone in Islamabad not to forecast the great coming boom unless the drilling shows some positive signs of a discovery. What are the so called advisors doing? They are not sufficiently experienced or knowledgeable to advise the PM so as he can be restraint from making such premature statement that would embarrass him.
Recommend 0
Javed Akram pakistan
May 19, 2019 05:33am
Wah--so where is this 'miracle' find..pls do share with the people!
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Imtiaz
May 19, 2019 05:33am
there is a simple solution and 100% guaranteed solution to come out of all economic mess. Get the emitter truth beyond where and how all our money disappeared, write a book , make a Hollywood wood movie a Bollywood movie. The box office collection should be enough to clear all loans.
Recommend 0
Kris
May 19, 2019 05:34am
Pakistan is always looking for miracles to save itself. First it was CPEC, now it is oil fields. Countries don't develop overnight. They develop over decades through intense focus and lot of hard work. This whole incident is a sign of pathetic political leadership.
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Vijender
May 19, 2019 05:42am
Pakistan have nothing for export.
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P K Thakur
May 19, 2019 05:46am
Instead of infrastructural change in economical and political systems as well as effort to change in the mindset of people nothing fruitful is coming.The overoptimism by PM Khan often results in his embarassing.
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desi dimag
May 19, 2019 05:47am
Because of previous governments wrong doing the oil and gas are dried: PMIK
Recommend 0
Deepak
May 19, 2019 05:47am
@HashBrown®, laughing stock because, A PM should never give false hopes without proper confirmations!!!.
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Nand
May 19, 2019 05:49am
Impossible. But you are Arabs.
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Ali Sabir
May 19, 2019 05:50am
@Justicefirst, .... Singapore has no natural resources but she has robust economy because of their China connection. The richest people in Singapore are the Chinese. They have been there 300 years.
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desi dimag
May 19, 2019 05:51am
Previous Governments must have shifted this reserve somewhere else.
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Ind
May 19, 2019 05:51am
After CPEC Pakistan will export oil!
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Ali Sabir
May 19, 2019 05:53am
@Aliali, ... Nothing but good news since the PM took over. It just never materialized.
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Zak
May 19, 2019 05:57am
If not this then the next. It's there, we just have to find it.
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Zak
May 19, 2019 05:57am
@Zuk , To find it in the next block.
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Changezi
May 19, 2019 05:57am
It was just a ploy to get IMF to give a loan
Recommend 0
Paachu
May 19, 2019 06:05am
Don't be in a delusory world. Face up to the reality. Fix things to make people's lives better. Adopt a policy of live and let...
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N Abidi
May 19, 2019 06:07am
It has been predicted that Pakistan does have oil and gas reserves. However ,first official try did not given the results does not mean that it! Ex president Bush tried 5 times before he hit oil. How many times did Saudi , quarter ,and others in Middle East tried before they hit oil. Last ,Exxon mobile ,just not due this with out good data. PM IK had say lets us all pray. If we hit oil or gas then it will help Pakistan! The nay Sayers needs reality checked!
Recommend 0
Sachin
May 19, 2019 06:10am
Count your blessings. Venezuela has biggest oil reserves, yet it had become bankrupt. Oil brings more troubles.
Recommend 0
Shy Guy
May 19, 2019 06:12am
Second game changer bites the dust
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raj
May 19, 2019 06:14am
A person at high place should keep his tongue and hands in check.
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Umesh
May 19, 2019 06:14am
@Fastrack, I see!. Strong fundamentals led you to blood bath in the Stockarket, rampaging inflation, value of PKR in a pitless abyss!!. Running from one lender to another and never ending law and order problem. It costs too much to be foolish and you are in plenty.
Recommend 0
Sameer
May 19, 2019 06:14am
15 billion dollars is a big expenditures which went down the drain.
Recommend 0
Real
May 19, 2019 06:17am
When small people holding big posts,it happens.
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MALI
May 19, 2019 06:17am
Joke of the century! Comedian PM!
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James
May 19, 2019 06:21am
Gas and oil was not found but downed F-16 will be found soon.
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AXH
May 19, 2019 06:21am
This is just what exploration is about. Until you explore, you will not know what lies underneath. So, those who are mocking, especially from our Eastern border, take a chill pill. We already have one of the largest coal reserves discovered in Sindh.
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Imran Khan
May 19, 2019 06:22am
Sir Worthy Prime Minister, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Now it is done. This is the time to focus on Pakistan's principal natural resources which are arable land and water. Centuries have proved that our agriculture land is very rich. It has been yielding gold (wheat), silver (cotton & rice) and diamonds (flowers & fruits). About 25% of Pakistan's agriculture accounts for about 21% of GDP and employs about 43% of the labour force. Did we ever think why this continent had been termed as 'Golden Sparrow'. This was only because of its agricultural land and hard working of our forefathers. Please invest half of the amount on the surface out of the cost of digging the depths. It will leave us wounder struck at the found of treasures produced by our soil.
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Imran Khan
May 19, 2019 06:22am
Sir Worthy Prime Minister, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Now it is done. This is the time to focus on Pakistan's principal natural resources which are arable land and water. Centuries have proved that our agriculture land is very rich. It has been yielding gold (wheat), silver (cotton & rice) and diamonds (flowers & fruits). About 25% of Pakistan's agriculture accounts for about 21% of GDP and employs about 43% of the labour force. Did we ever think why this continent had been termed as 'Golden Sparrow'. This was only because of its agricultural land and hard working of our forefathers. Please invest half of the amount on the surface out of the cost of digging the depths. It will leave us wounder struck at the found of treasures produced by our soil.
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Imran Khan
May 19, 2019 06:24am
Sir Worthy Prime Minister, a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Now it is done. This is the time to focus on Pakistan's principal natural resources which are arable land and water. Centuries have proved that our agriculture land is very rich. It has been yielding gold (wheat), silver (cotton & rice) and diamonds (flowers & fruits). Did we ever think why this continent had been termed as 'Golden Sparrow'. This was only because of its agricultural land and hard working of our forefathers. Please invest half of the amount on the surface out of the cost of digging the depths.
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M. Emad
May 19, 2019 06:26am
Pakistan not located in oil & gas zone.
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Malik
May 19, 2019 06:27am
Now the special assistant Nadeem Babur should immediately resign to save us some pennies.
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Red-wattled Lapwing
May 19, 2019 06:29am
Well this should bury this "Pakistan qudrati wasail say mala maal hai" for good...At the level of PM, IK should be pragmatic for his own popularity and sake. But it's no surprise he keeps doing that repeatedly and have pretty much lost his credibility in just two weeks. Once a well known general said that in dysfunctional society, an irrational ideology is applied. This is the effect of how we have gone so back from scientific analysis in our thinking and how science is missing so much in our society yet have mobile phones and technology without having any contribution in the global knowledge and efforts to earn for the tech and have been handed freely by the west. .
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Satya
May 19, 2019 06:33am
The effects of talking too much, too soon
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MG
May 19, 2019 06:33am
The real jackpot Pakistan has its massive number of youth who are ignored. Provide them basic technical education and make them productive. Invest more on industrial training institutes than madrassahas.
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MG
May 19, 2019 06:34am
Leaders must be refrain from speaking in advance or based on predictions.
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Nex Gen
May 19, 2019 06:34am
People still belives IKK is the best leader after Qaid ?
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Sreenath mahishi
May 19, 2019 06:36am
So politician got commission even pakistan is bankrupt
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Taj
May 19, 2019 06:41am
Prospect of getting oil and gas is messed up by previous governments what PTI can do ?
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Jav
May 19, 2019 06:43am
They should try drilling deeper. Imran says there is gas there. They should not give up
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Doctor DJ
May 19, 2019 06:48am
Okk so last hope is imf now
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Jav
May 19, 2019 06:48am
I wonder what he was smoking when he made this announcement of oil and gas mega find. I want some of that
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R. S. Menon
May 19, 2019 06:56am
The catch was taken. Celebrations started later to be known that it is a NO BALL. R.S. Menon, Bangalore
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Pradeep
May 19, 2019 07:03am
Only way out is - some old fashioned hard work !
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toomuchtymez
May 19, 2019 07:10am
Somebody needs to check if Tareen’s cook and driver have been speculating in oil and gas company stocks recently...
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Sunil (California)
May 19, 2019 07:11am
All politicians should be blamed on charging up common peoples’s aspirations. Instead of working on fixing problems with economy, they make poor citizens to believe in divine intervention. I am so disappointed with Imran Khan and his party, they have turned to be less than ordinary. He may be honest and good at heart, but that is not only quality to lead country of 220 million people. I thought he will do good for his country and mend fences with India for betterment of his country and entire region, but he proved to be just a small kid on the block. It is different to win WC playing against 11 players than leading team of 220 million people.
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Himmat
May 19, 2019 07:16am
Probable reason for this failure is black goat was not sacrificed.
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Tallat
May 19, 2019 07:17am
If we don’t change ourselves then no one will change our destiny. We are not people with actions but louder. Everyone wants to give their opinions but not many will act to solve it
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Jaggi
May 19, 2019 07:20am
Feel sorry for those who dreamed about Naya Pakistan!
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Chacha Jee
May 19, 2019 07:21am
Now Dollar will rise again.. thanks for news
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Deepak Talwar
May 19, 2019 07:27am
The Good Book says - If you seek you shall find. Therefore if you don't seek you will never find. Imran, like so many leaders in India and all over the world, should understand actions are louder than words.
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Ajaz Ahmed
May 19, 2019 07:29am
Imran khan is not the answer to our prayers. He is a fake hero who has made fools of our young and innocent to get votes. Look at his record. He is only interested in votes and will say anything to gain popularity. He is not the person people think he is. He is not honest.
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Muz
May 19, 2019 07:29am
IK has to learn to understand after effects of possible failures. Bringing plundered money back home, oil jackpot, Madina riasat are all examples of rushing to judgement without analyzing probability of results.
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Changez Khan
May 19, 2019 07:32am
Keep trying for success, never give up.
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Crystal Clear
May 19, 2019 07:36am
It would be better if the nation does not have to tune in to Najam Sethi show for inside story of every adversarial news. The Government should not be so secretive about its failures, be it falling rupee or failing projects. Imran Khan should speak to the nation everyday to face shame. This will help his party.
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Bharat Jha
May 19, 2019 07:40am
Who cares when you have CPEC
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Salaria
May 19, 2019 07:40am
A nation of over 220 million souls relying on miracles and jackpots? Please make a concrete roadmap for economic prosperity . Even a proper roadmap takes over 2 to 3 decades to show results . There are no overnight miracles .
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Asim
May 19, 2019 07:40am
@HashBrown®, this is what he meant by laughing stock. Give the nation false hopes of jackpots and superheroes. This is how it ends up. Just like the supermassive thar coal jackpot that was enough for us for 100 years....
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Truth&Awareness
May 19, 2019 07:44am
Well, I understand that how the media and politicians were extremely optimistic about the prospects. But it must be told that it were remote sensing technologies that first estimated that there could be the possibility of reserves being found. A neighbour of mine working for the government department told me that it would be hard to tell till the last minute, if oil reserves are actually at the drilling location until they are found. Anyway, there are however reserves for Gas onshore which can still be tapped. I belong to a place in Pakistan which is home to tapped Gas reserves. So all the people trying to say that Pakistan lacks minerals should travel across Pakistan before making such clueless verdicts. Pakistan must continue to drill onshore with the same partners.
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Bharat Jha
May 19, 2019 07:44am
@FAZ, We really appreciate effort to explore gas and oil reserves and it should continue.We are against Prime minister of country speculate and then comment on these things.You do the things first then talk rather then talk and won't do.
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Asim
May 19, 2019 07:47am
@Zaid khan, but nobody would have appreciated IK prematurely creating hype for it.
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Kc
May 19, 2019 07:48am
will you blow yourself up as per the text??
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Asim
May 19, 2019 07:50am
@Suryaputra, agreed.
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thinking
May 19, 2019 07:53am
Pakistan never having to purchase gas! That such a massive lie and that too from PM of country
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Awalmir
May 19, 2019 08:02am
Faisal Vawda said that a miraculous oil find will transform Pakistan. What went wrong? The PTI government is about selling dreams.
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Awalmir
May 19, 2019 08:03am
I think the next hype will be finding gold, diamond and precious stones in Reko Diq.
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Ashraf P
May 19, 2019 08:06am
They found water !!
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Marvel
May 19, 2019 08:09am
@aslam khan, If it is not there then it was never there
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Rocky
May 19, 2019 08:09am
@Fastrack, are you sure?? Please live in reality than dreams
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ButrozButroz
May 19, 2019 08:19am
Eat more beans.
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ButrozButroz
May 19, 2019 08:21am
@Angry Pitbull, It was a chamber pot.
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ButrozButroz
May 19, 2019 08:28am
@Sayyar Khan, You mean in your nose?
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Natarajan
May 19, 2019 08:45am
The real game changer now will be CPEC. Hope it turns out a real game changer. But yesterday’s report of Djibouti and Ethiopia struggling to make $ 4.7 billion railway work leave alone make any money. Only one train runs in a small patch work and electricity isn’t available sometimes stopping the train the whole day. Djibouti govt. issues tickets saying passengers travel at their own risk. Repayment of Chinese loan has started but China has been asked for re scheduling as there is no money. Even the army base of China is empty as there is nothing to do. So SriLanka, Maldives, Malaysia, Kenya, Ethiopia, Djibouti and Kazakhstan are all in line under BRI of China for default and the biggest of all BRI projects is CPEC. Hope Pakistan is different.
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Thiru
May 19, 2019 10:57am
@Vayuputra, Every nation speculates and explores for oil and gas reserves. No government can spare looking for natural resources. PKR15billion is a necessary spend. IK was giving much needed note of optimism and hope.
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K
May 19, 2019 12:39pm
Luck. Time to move to the Chinese style backup option: Lots and lots of hard work. At least that way, you have more control over your luck.
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Shah
May 19, 2019 12:56pm
@AHMED 40, are you 40 years old have you not learnt anything? You want people to come take loans and keep dollar at an artificial price and then run away while your national assets are kept as mortgage
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aslam khan
May 19, 2019 02:07pm
Bad news no oil or gas but good news they found so much water at the platform that no need to build dams.
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Ranajyoti
May 19, 2019 02:49pm
@Zak, do you have another $100 million?
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Abbas shah
May 19, 2019 08:13pm
Those who briefed PM wrongfully about cartel jackpot must be brought to book&removed from their responsibilities.
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Azhar
May 19, 2019 08:55pm
Imran Khan has to stop giving false hopes to Pakistanis and rather concentrate on delivering on his pre and post election promises. People won't wait indefinitely and blaming the previous governments won't be acceptable after one year.
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Farooq
May 19, 2019 10:08pm
A conversation with a non-technical employee of western oil companies drilling in the Attock area twenty years ago revealed that "nine out of ten" oil and gas producing wells were capped (sealed) and higher level employees and engineers were paid off handsomely not to reveal the facts. Similar events happened in drilling in Baluchistan. This was and is to maintain the Gulf area hegemony and crude oil pricing on world markets, The geological truth of the matter is that the whole Arabian Sea coastline and inland areas are oil bearing and contiguous with the Gulf area. The glaringly obvious long term solution is to entrust oil exploration to Chinese companies. Especially offshore drilling as security is easier to maintain there than inland areas. IK are your advisers reading this?
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Rani
May 20, 2019 08:26am
@Sachin, for your information this project was taken up by exxon Mobil thus they endured the cost. First read before commenting
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Rani
May 20, 2019 08:28am
All these people commenting below shows immaturity. It's not IK's fault if no gas is found. These expeditions happens and at times they are not successful, stop pointing fingers. If IK is not good soon you will be replaced with sharif's and Zardari's which I think you all deserve
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Karanveer
May 20, 2019 08:48am
Imran Khan is Kejriwal of Pakistan.
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only for pakistan
May 20, 2019 09:52am
its quite clear that PM IK is being fed false information so he can fail and look foolish..after all he does have black sheeps from other parties !
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Neha mumbai
May 20, 2019 10:01am
Now what? No miracles. No short cut for success
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Neha mumbai
May 20, 2019 10:03am
Country running on the hope's of Jackpot
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Faisal Azeem
May 20, 2019 10:47am
i was really hoping for it.
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Ahsan
May 20, 2019 12:14pm
i wont go into politics and attitudes towards giving statements etc. However its just 18 or 17 failed attempt. Look at the example of NorthSea there were number of dry wells followed by phenomenal success. Therefore Keep Engineering to Engineers.
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Anonymouseee
May 20, 2019 03:19pm
Keep trying and inshallah we will succeed.
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my bharat
May 20, 2019 03:50pm
wasting money .
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krish
May 20, 2019 04:03pm
Guess, nothing wrong in exploration. Unless one explore, how can be sure about existence of oil reserves? Pakistani citizens must support their government. Yes, technology could have been used to limit the expense.
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Nasser
May 20, 2019 07:37pm
@ibrahim, So in order to get "some" dollars from Pakistan Government, Exxon would be willing to spend even "more dollar". Think!
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Nasser
May 20, 2019 07:41pm
@Uday Kulkarni, Uday's analysis is a clear and fair assessment of a situation, with no axe to grind. PTI is Pakistan's only hope. It better pull up its socks and get moving in the right direction - fast!
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Zain U Abidin
May 20, 2019 07:47pm
In Guyana (South American continent), a poor 3rd World Country with Indian origin people, Exxon just discovered Oil wells, 13 oil wells, offshore at 6,000 meters, and that country had no oil before. Why did they not continue drilling our Kekra-1 at Karaxhi, when they were getting Positive signs at 5,400 meters. Something is not right. Something makes me believe that Exxon and others intentionally are wasting and releasing Pakistani Oil, for some strategic or Political reasons. Chinese Oil Drillers should be called in, or maybe that is one of the reasons why American and Italian companies are trying to do, is make China run away from Gwadar, China may already know that there is Oil, in Pakistani Offshore... Government of Pakistan, as inept as it always has been, needs to get some brains, on a hurry.
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BAXAR
May 20, 2019 08:39pm
@krish, "Unless one explore, how can be sure about existence of oil reserves? Pakistani citizens must support their government." Exploration is performed by foreign companies, if you do it yourselves, the cost is reduced and your companies can explore everywhere. You need to educate your population, otherwise the big part of reserves is eaten by others, however big they are. The real reserve is your unexplored population under sleeping pills.
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BAXAR
May 20, 2019 08:46pm
@Farooq, ""nine out of ten oil and gas producing wells were capped (sealed) and higher level employees and engineers were paid off handsomely not to reveal the facts." That is possible and there is nothing to worry about. It these reserves are not big enough to exploit and recover the cost.
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Salman M
May 20, 2019 09:08pm
Pakistan should not have invited ExxonMobil. Even if oil was found, they will not report it.
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Ahmed
May 20, 2019 09:39pm
This has been going on for years. Off-shore gas in Baluchistan, off-shore gas near Karachi, Gas in Sindh. About time dream making process should stop.
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SA
May 20, 2019 11:49pm
Please don't forget we are all hyper and optimistic to the extent one cannot believe, so PM is also among us i.e. like people like leader but he is in very responsible position and should not utter a word until get 100% correct report, very childish.
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Nazeer, Kashmir India
May 21, 2019 12:02am
@Justicefirst, Singapore has discipline too which most of us do not
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Rahul
May 21, 2019 12:31am
@Angry Pitbull, Near Bombay !
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Rahul
May 21, 2019 12:32am
@Vayuputra, Well said.
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Kyaa Baat Hain Ji
May 21, 2019 05:04am
@Faran, Jinnah's dream is getting fulfilled by Imran Khan Sahib. He is Pathan and keeps his words!
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Kyaa Baat Hain Ji
May 21, 2019 05:08am
@petere, The Rome was never built in a single try. Keep trying!!
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Kyaa Baat Hain Ji
May 21, 2019 05:30am
@Rizwan , ...and drilling too!
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Kyaa Baat Hain Ji
May 21, 2019 05:38am
The BIG BLUNDER committed by PM IK was - he did not sacrificed a black goat, before startingd the drilling operation. PM IK should have learned that success technique from PIA's success story!
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ACFP
May 21, 2019 05:53am
What about the Methane reserve of the coast of Makran? There is so much Methane in that area that an island pops up every so often, no drilling is required? Can you imagine an island popping up in the middle of the ocean due to high pressure of methane underneath, read articles from 2014? Why has that reserve not been evaluated? I heard Dr. Ata talking about abundance of Methane even above the surface in the ocean so much so that it kills marine life in that area. Could the reason be that this will actually help poor people of Pakistan and may not makes money to any corrupt official?
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Rajesh USA
May 21, 2019 06:40am
The nation has been fooled once again by the Govt. and the Army. There was no gas and there was no gas to be found after the commissions have reached their homes.
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Anowar ali
May 21, 2019 09:36am
Pakistan may invite renowned Indian state oil company ONGC, which has long experiences in discovering huge oil and gas reserves in Bombay High, its adjacent areas in the Arabian ocean and KG basin in the Bay of Bengal.
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K P RAO
May 21, 2019 10:18am
I felt bad to read comments ridiculing and laughing at failure. These oil drillings are hit or miss exercises for non oil producing countries.Hundreds of drillings are required before you strike a viable oil well. Pak. should go in a large way towards renewable energy sources.
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K P RAO
May 21, 2019 10:29am
Oil? Castor !!
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Karan
May 21, 2019 01:24pm
Very sad news for the ppl of Pakistan. Reading some of the comments made by PM Khan it seems he goes over the top. I dont think it has even been estimated that Kekra has enough reserves that Pakistan wont have to import petroleum. It may reduce the import levels. But not so much. Pakistani economy needs a miracle/ a jackpot. Right now. Imports are twice the exports. Foreign investments are drying up and public debt is spiralling. Currency is every month hitting new lows. The situation cannot get better because ppl are afraid to invest because of security concerns. South African economy was revitalized by the inflow of forex from IPL and WC it hosted. Pakistan cannot look to host such events. PSL is a home event. Will not draw money from outside. Pakistan needs to address the security concern and bring major reforms to make Pakistan an attractive economy.
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Angry Bird
May 21, 2019 02:17pm
Soon Pakistan will be the world's fastest growing economy. It will be the second largest economy after China in 5 years and the largest producer of crude oil. Also CPEC is a game changer. With all the loans due to CPEC, Pakistan may also surpass China. Good times ahead!
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