A shortage of electricity, volatility in fuel prices, a growing circular debt, and dependence on foreign oil and liquefied natural gas have made Pakistan’s energy crisis a matter that endangers the country’s security, manufacturing, and development. External factors, including the war in Ukraine, tensions in the Middle East, prolonged global market instability, and volatile energy prices, have demonstrated, often at great economic cost, just how heavily Pakistan’s economy depends on development beyond its borders.

The energy sector in Pakistan has undergone many changes. Conventional oil and gas resources are being depleted, while energy demand continues to grow with demographic expansion, rural-urban migration, and a developing infrastructure industry.

Alongside this, an increase in fuel import expenditures takes a chunk of the country’s forex, a big deal as it further strains a shaky economy. Such a big difference between domestic production and nationwide demand is a major warning signal. OGDCL must carry the burden, but on the side of Pakistan’s energy planning, a parallel evolution is also a reality.

One way to ensure a stable supply is through exploration within the country of unconventional reserves. Apart from that, a good amount of shale gas and gas-tight formations can be found in Pakistan if the exploration efforts are done at the right pace and scale, and similarly, the offshore and frontier blocks are underexplored compared to other countries. It was only through innovative techniques, technology adoption, and a steady capital input that a country the size of the US achieved this kind of energy self-reliance through unconventional sources.

Although Pakistan’s geological conditions and financial constraints differ, the fundamental lessons remain applicable. Energy security is achieved through sustained exploration, technological research and development, and long-term energy planning. Recently, OGDCL has made progress through the exploration of unconventional resources, and it is a big step for now, but this potential can only be actualized with the........

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