Pakistan revives Rajian-11 heavy oil well with advanced artificial lift technology

Pakistan revives Rajian-11 heavy oil well with advanced artificial lift technology
The picture posted by Oil & Gas Development Company Limited on March 12, 2025, shows heavy oil well Rajian-11 in Chakwal, Pakistan. (OGDCL/File)
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Updated 11 min 18 sec ago
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Pakistan revives Rajian-11 heavy oil well with advanced artificial lift technology

Pakistan revives Rajian-11 heavy oil well with advanced artificial lift technology
  • Rajian-11 was suspended since 2020 due to formation challenges, expected to produce 1,000 barrels of oil a day
  • ESP systems are common and efficient way to lift oil and gas from wells that are too deep, have low pressure for natural flow

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) has revived production at heavy oil well Rajian-11 by installing an advanced air lift system, state broadcaster Radio Pakistan said on Monday.

Extending to 3,774 meters, work at Rajian-11 had been suspended since 2020 due to formation challenges, the company’s filing on PSX said last week. 

The oil field is located in District Chakwal and fully owned and operated by OGDCL under Gujar Khan E.L. It was discovered in August 1994 and has remained a key asset in the company’s portfolio.

Crude oil production in Pakistan increased to 64 BBL/D/1K (barrels of crude oil per day per 1,000) in November 2024 from 62 BBL/D/1K in October of 2024. Crude oil production in Pakistan averaged 68.67 BBL/D/1K from 1993 until 2024, reaching an all time high of 97.00 BBL/D/1K in December of 2016 and a record low of 50.00 BBL/D/1K in April of 1999, according to the US Energy Information Administration.

“OGDCL has started oil production from the Rajian-11 heavy oil well located in Chakwal district,” Radio Pakistan reported. 

“Rajian-11 heavy oil well had been inactive since 2020 but it has been reactivated with the help of an advanced artificial lift system,” the broadcaster added, referring to the installation of an Electrical Submersible Pump (ESP).

The well is expected to produce one thousand barrels of oil per day.

ESP systems are a common and efficient way to lift oil and gas from wells that are too deep or have low pressure for natural flow. A submersible electric motor is placed at the bottom of the well, and it drives a multistage centrifugal pump that lifts the fluids. ESPs are suitable for wells with low bottomhole pressure, low gas/oil ratio, high water cut, and low API gravity fluids.

“This achievement underscores OGDCL’s commitment to maximizing hydrocarbon recovery and operational efficiency, reinforcing its position as a leader in Pakistan’s energy sector,” OGDCL’s PSX filing said. 

“The Company successfully completed the well with an ESP in Tobra, Jutana, and Sakesar formations, restoring production to 1,000 barrels per day (BPD) of oil.”


Every attempt for peace with Pakistan met with ‘hostility, betrayal,’ says Modi

Every attempt for peace with Pakistan met with ‘hostility, betrayal,’ says Modi
Updated 24 sec ago
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Every attempt for peace with Pakistan met with ‘hostility, betrayal,’ says Modi

Every attempt for peace with Pakistan met with ‘hostility, betrayal,’ says Modi
  • In podcast with American computer scientist Lex Fridman, Modi hopes Pakistan chooses “path of peace“
  • Indian premier praises US President Trump, says he seems “far more prepared than before” in second term

NEW DELHI: Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said US President Donald Trump was ‘far more prepared’ for his second term, furnished with a clear roadmap, speaking in a podcast interview weeks ahead of reciprocal tariffs planned by Washington.
India is among the trading partners set to face the tariffs from April, which threaten to cause distress to its exporters in industries from automobiles to agriculture.
After Modi and Trump met last month, the two nations agreed to resolve tariff rows and work on the first segment of a deal by the fall of 2025, aiming to reach two-way trade of $500 billion by 2030.
“This time, he seems far more prepared than before,” Modi said in a podcast with American computer scientist and podcaster Lex Fridman released on Sunday, referring to Trump’s second term, which began in January.
“He has a clear roadmap in his mind with well-defined steps, each one designed to lead him toward his goals,” he added.
During the discussion, which ran more than three hours, Modi spoke on issues from diplomacy and artificial intelligence to his early life, in a conversation Fridman called one of the most “powerful” of his life.
Modi praised Trump for his graciousness and humility, underscoring a strong bond between the leaders.
“His (Trump’s) reflection showed his ‘America First’ spirit, just as I believe in nation first. I stand for India first, and that’s why we connect so well,” Modi said.

INDIA’S NEIGHBOURS

India’s relations with neighbor China improved last year after striking a milestone pact to lower military tension on their Himalayan border following talks between Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Russia.
“Slowly but surely, trust, enthusiasm, and energy will return,” Modi said during the podcast, as the two countries work to restore relations to their state before a military border skirmish in 2020.
“But of course, it will take some time, since there’s been a five-year gap,” he said, adding that the focus of the two nations was to ensure their differences “do not turn into disputes.”
On ties with archfoe Pakistan, Modi expressed hope for peaceful relations.
“Every noble attempt at fostering peace was met with hostility and betrayal,” he said, adding, “we sincerely hope that wisdom prevails upon them and they choose the path of peace.”
The foreign ministries of China and Pakistan did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.
 


Pakistan approves joint venture between state logistics corporation, UAE ports giant DP World

Pakistan approves joint venture between state logistics corporation, UAE ports giant DP World
Updated 38 min 26 sec ago
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Pakistan approves joint venture between state logistics corporation, UAE ports giant DP World

Pakistan approves joint venture between state logistics corporation, UAE ports giant DP World
  • State-owned NLC to hold 60% equity stake in venture with DP World holding remaining 40%, says state media 
  • Venture aims to enhance Pakistan’s road freight logistics sector by leveraging NLC’s expertise, DP World’s supply chain solutions

ISLAMABAD: The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) recently approved a pre-merger application to establish a joint venture between the state-owned National Logistics Corporation (NLC) and the United Arab Emirates’ DP World to enhance and modernize the South Asian country’s logistics sector, state-run media reported. 

DP World, which operates in over 75 countries and specializes in port operations, terminal management and logistics services, is involved heavily in improving Pakistan’s logistics sector. As per an agreement signed in January 2024, DP World will carry out infrastructure improvement at Qasim International Container Terminal, Pakistan’s leading trade gateway.

It is also involved in the Karachi Freight Corridor, an infrastructure project in Pakistan aimed at improving the movement of freight from the port city to various parts of the country.

“The Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) has approved the pre-merger application for the establishment of a joint venture between National Logistics Corporation (NLC) and DP World Logistics FZE (DWLF),” state-run Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) reported on Sunday. 

It said that the investment, facilitated by Pakistan’s top investment body Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), aims to enhance the country’s logistics and freight industry while ensuring fair competition in the market.

The state-run media said the transaction involves NLC acquiring a 60 percent equity stake in the joint venture and DWLF holding the remaining 40 percent.

“The venture aims to enhance Pakistan’s road freight logistics sector by leveraging NLC’s domestic expertise and DP World’s global supply chain solutions,” APP said. 

The CCP determined that the transaction does not result in a “substantial lessening of competition” or the creation of a dominant market position, adding that its analysis concluded that the market remains competitive with multiple players ensuring continued competition despite the merger.

“The joint venture highlights Pakistan’s growing appeal for foreign investment in logistics,” APP said. “It is expected to improve infrastructure, lower transport costs, and boost Pakistan’s trade competitiveness in the region.”

The UAE is Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner after China and the United States, and a major source of foreign investment, valued at over $10 billion in the last 20 years, according to the UAE foreign ministry. It is also home to more than a million Pakistani expatriates.

In January last year, Pakistan and the UAE signed multiple agreements worth more than $3 billion for cooperation in railways, economic zones and infrastructure.


Authorities impose curfew in two districts in Pakistan’s northwest over ‘security concerns’

Authorities impose curfew in two districts in Pakistan’s northwest over ‘security concerns’
Updated 17 March 2025
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Authorities impose curfew in two districts in Pakistan’s northwest over ‘security concerns’

Authorities impose curfew in two districts in Pakistan’s northwest over ‘security concerns’
  • Pakistan has struggled to contain a surge in militancy in its northwest since a fragile truce between the Pakistani Taliban and Islamabad broke down in 2022
  • The Pakistani Taliban and other groups have frequently targeted security forces and law enforcers, besides kidnappings of government officials in the region

ISLAMABAD: The local administration has imposed a curfew in various areas of northwestern Pakistani districts of South Waziristan and Tank on Monday, March 17, the offices of the deputy commissioners in both districts said, citing “security concerns.”

Pakistan has struggled to contain a surge in militancy in KP since a fragile truce between the Pakistani Taliban, or the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), and Islamabad broke down in November 2022. The TTP and other militant groups have frequently targeted security forces convoys and check-posts, besides targeted killings and kidnappings of law enforcers and government officials in recent months.

On the request of the law enforcement agencies, there will be a complete curfew from 6am to 6pm on the main road from Court Fort, Manzai, Khairgi, Kari Wam to Jandola, according to a notification issued from the Tank deputy commissioner’s office. However, the road from Court Fort, Gomal, Gardawi to Wana will remain open for all types of traffic.

Similarly, the South Waziristan deputy commissioner’s office said there will be a complete curfew from 6am to 6pm on the Zalai to Cadet College Wana road and Tanai to Sarokai-Jandola road. The Wana-Angoor Adda road and Wana-Tank road will remain open, it clarified.

“The general public is requested to cooperate with security forces during the curfew,” the South Waziristan deputy commissioner’s office said in a notification, without specifying the nature of security concerns in the region.

Earlier this month, a paramilitary troop and 12 militants were killed in a gunbattle in the Tank district after the militants carried out a suicide attack at the Frontier Constabulary (FC) headquarters, a police official with direct knowledge of the development said. The attack took place in the Jandola tehsil.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack, but authorities suspected the Pakistani Taliban of involvement in it.

Similarly, the South Waziristan district, which borders Afghanistan, has also been site of increased militant activities. On March 14, a blast tore through a mosque in the district, injuring a religious party leader and three others, according to police.

Last month, Pakistani security forces killed 30 militants during an intelligence-based operation in the Sararogha area of South Waziristan, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military’s media wing, said, days after unidentified men kidnapped a traders’ union president and two Pakistan Customs officials in the district. South Waziristan district had been a stronghold of the TTP before successive military operations drove the militants out of the region more than a decade ago.

Pakistan says the takeover of Kabul by the Afghan Taliban in 2021 has emboldened the TTP as it is able to operate out of and launch attacks from safe havens in neighboring Afghanistan. Kabul denies the allegation.


Pakistan top parliamentary panel on national security calls meeting amid surge in militant attacks 

Pakistan top parliamentary panel on national security calls meeting amid surge in militant attacks 
Updated 17 March 2025
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Pakistan top parliamentary panel on national security calls meeting amid surge in militant attacks 

Pakistan top parliamentary panel on national security calls meeting amid surge in militant attacks 
  • Separatist militants last week hijacked train with over 400 passengers in southwestern Balochistan province
  • Pakistan military to hold in-camera briefing of parliamentary committee on country’s prevalent security situation

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has convened a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security tomorrow, Tuesday, the National Assembly spokesperson has said, to discuss the prevalent security situation in the country amid a surge in militant attacks. 

The development follows a sharp rise in militant attacks last week in Pakistan’s southwestern Balochistan province. The most prominent of these attacks was led by the separatist Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) outfit last Tuesday, whose fighters stormed the Jaffar Express train in a remote mountain pass in Balochistan after blowing up train tracks. The militants held over 400 passengers hostage in a day-long standoff before the military rescued them. Pakistan security forces killed 33 insurgents, rescued 354 hostages before bringing the siege to a close on Wednesday, according to army spokesperson Lt. Gen. Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry. A final count showed 23 soldiers, three railway employees and five passengers had died in the attack.

At least five people, including three paramilitary soldiers, were killed on Sunday in a suicide blast in Balochistan’s Nushki district, the military said. 

“Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has convened an in-camera meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on National Security on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif,” the National Assembly spokesperson said in a statement on Sunday. 

The meeting will be held at the National Assembly Hall on Tuesday at 1:30 pm, the spokesperson said, adding that the military would brief the committee on the country’s prevalent security situation. 

“Parliamentary leaders of all political parties present in parliament and their nominated representatives will attend the meeting,” the spokesperson said. “Cabinet members will also attend the national security meeting.”

Pakistan’s western provinces bordering Afghanistan and Iran have witnessed a surge in attacks since November 2022, after a fragile truce between the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militant outfit and the state collapsed. The TTP has carried out some of the deadliest attacks against Pakistan’s security forces and civilians since 2007 in the northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province. 

Pakistan accuses the government in Afghanistan of sheltering TTP militants, allegations which have strained ties between the two neighbors and prompted strong denials from the Afghan Taliban. 

In oil-and-mineral-rich Balochistan, Pakistan’s largest and least populated province, ethnic Baloch separatists have long accused the central government of denying locals of a share in the province’s resources. Islamabad and Pakistan’s military strongly reject the allegations. 

The military has a huge presence in Balochistan and has long run intelligence-based operations against insurgent groups such as the BLA, who have escalated attacks in recent months on the military and nationals from longtime ally China, which is building key projects in the region, including a port at Gwadar.

More than 50 people, including security forces, were killed in August last year in a string of assaults in Balochistan claimed by the BLA.


Pakistan sees uptick in economic activity as consumer spending surges in Ramadan 

Pakistan sees uptick in economic activity as consumer spending surges in Ramadan 
Updated 17 March 2025
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Pakistan sees uptick in economic activity as consumer spending surges in Ramadan 

Pakistan sees uptick in economic activity as consumer spending surges in Ramadan 
  • Consumers flock to markets throughout Ramadan to buy fruits and vegetables in large quantities for evening iftar meals
  • Financial analyst says increased remittances, distribution of Zakat among masses in Ramadan also spurs economic activity 

KARACHI: Khadeeja Manzoor haggled with a vendor at a busy market in Pakistan’s Karachi over the price of vegetables. The sight is not an unusual one in Pakistan, especially during the holy month of Ramadan, where people flock to fruit and vegetable markets in thousands daily to buy food items. 

Muslims break their fast with the evening iftar meal during the holy month of Ramadan, consuming dishes prepared with fruits and vegetables in large amounts. This triggers a surge in consumer spending significantly during the holy month, one that increases sales at grocery stores and marketplaces.

“Our spending increases during Ramadan,” Manzoor, 45, told Arab News. “They (actually) double because though the prices of vegetables have declined a bit, other things have become costlier,” she added. 

Pakistan has long grappled with an economic crisis that saw inflation surge to a historic 38 percent in May 2023. However, the government has since then achieved some economic gains, with the country’s monthly inflation rate dropping to 1.5 percent in February on a year-on-year basis.

Dry fruit seller Wasib Abbasi noted that people spent more on items such as Rooh Afza, a sugary drink considered a staple Ramadan diet, and dates during the holy month. This causes a surge in sales during Ramadan, he added. 

“Our sales remain normal during the first 15 days of Ramadan but significantly increase during the second half,” Abbasi, who runs a store selling dry fruits at the busy Empress Market, told Arab News. 

Financial analyst Muhammad Waqas Ghani agrees the increased demand for food items and the increased inflow of remittances to Pakistan during Ramadan supplements the country’s economic growth. He said Pakistan usually sees a rise of 20 percent in remittances during the holy month every year. 

Remittances are a lifeline for Pakistan’s cash-strapped economy, playing a critical role in stabilizing foreign exchange reserves and supporting its balance of payments. Overseas Pakistanis remitted $3.1 billion in February.

“Ramadan does have a significant economic angle. Demand rises in food, lifestyle, and other areas like footwear,” Ghani, the head of research at JS Global Capital Ltd., a commodities brokerage company, told Arab News. 

During Ramadan, commercial banks also deduct billions of rupees from people’s accounts on account of the annual Islamic charity, Zakat. 

Ghani said the circulation of Zakat funds among the masses also increases their purchasing power, which leads to more consumer spending. 

Atiq Mir, chairman of the All Karachi Tajir Ittehad (AKTI), a body of over 400 trade groups in the southern port city, described Ramadan as the “spring month” for traders and citizens alike in terms of both divine blessings and material gains.

“The way people come to bazaars with their children gives a good look,” Mir said, adding that trade “runs above normal” during the holy month.

“Given the size of its population, Karachi alone is a Rs100 billion market if people came out proportionately for Eid shopping only.”