ISLAMABAD The Hashoo Group of Companies, which is engaged in oil and gas exploration and production in Pakistan through its companies the Orient Petroleum International Inc. (OPII) and Zaver Petroleum Corporation Limited (ZPCL), launched the Global Drilling Company (GDCPL) on Friday.

GDCPL will focus on providing modern drilling services in Pakistan to all exploration and production companies.

The group said the new venture will contribute in making Pakistan self-sufficient in hydrocarbon production and will also create employment and training opportunities for locals.

GDCPL is set to have a modest start with one 1500HP rig - one of the most modern rigs in the market - equipped with state-of-the-art technology and experienced management and technical staff.

The company will initially provide services to OPII, ZPCL and other joint venture partners to catch up with the left-over drilling plans. 

Global Drilling is also likely to contribute in accelerating the pace of exploration and production activities in the country that has slowed down due to non-availability of rigs for the energy and power sectors.
 
Global Drilling is scheduled to start drilling its first exploratory well, MAHARVI-1 in the district of Bahawalnagar, Punjab, for OPII towards the last week of this month. It is expected that the well will be drilled to a target depth of 7300 feet.