ISLAMABAD: In a significant development for Pakistan’s energy sector, the Waziristan Joint Venture (WJV), operated by Mari Energies Limited, has officially commenced production from the Spinwam-1 exploratory well located in the Waziristan Block, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The inauguration ceremony was held at the Mari Energies Head Office and attended by Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, who lauded the joint venture’s technical expertise and operational excellence. He emphasized that discoveries like Spinwam-1 play a critical role in enhancing Pakistan’s energy security, reducing reliance on imported fuels, and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Speaking on the occasion, Faheem Haider, Managing Director and CEO of Mari Energies, stated that the successful development of Spinwam-1 underscores the joint venture’s commitment to harnessing indigenous hydrocarbon resources. He noted that the project will help meet the country’s rising energy demand while improving the reliability of gas supply.
The ceremony also paid tribute to the sacrifices of security personnel, including law enforcement agencies (LEAs), company employees, contractors, and Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) staff, who operated under challenging conditions to ensure the project’s completion. Participants acknowledged that the project would not have been possible without the unwavering support and sacrifices of these personnel in the national interest.
Special recognition was given to the leadership of Lt. Gen. Anwar Ali Hyder, Chairman of Fauji Group, as well as joint venture partners including Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and Orient Petroleum Inc.. Contributions from the Ministry of Energy (Petroleum Division), Directorate General of Petroleum Concessions, SNGPL leadership, and contractors were also acknowledged for ensuring smooth and timely execution.
The project has been further strengthened by the completion of an SNGPL transmission pipeline linking the Shewa-1 and Spinwam-1 discoveries to the national gas grid.
Spinwam-1 marks the second successful exploratory well in the block after Shewa-1, delivering promising output from the Lockhart reservoir. Initial production stands at approximately 40 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) of gas and 200 barrels per day (BBL/D) of condensate. With this addition, total gas supply from the Waziristan Block has reached around 100 MMSCFD, alongside approximately 800 BBL/D of condensate, contributing significantly to the national energy mix.
The Waziristan Joint Venture—comprising Mari Energies Limited (operator with 55% stake), OGDCL (35%), and Orient Petroleum Inc. (10%)—continues to demonstrate strong collaboration in complex exploration environments. The partners expressed optimism for future exploration prospects and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Pakistan’s long-term energy security with continued backing from the Government of Pakistan and relevant authorities.
