Karachi Division

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has announced a significant gas discovery at the Dolphin X-1 well in the Sirani Block, located in the coastal district of Sujawal, Sindh. The find is being described as the first successful hydrocarbon discovery from the Jurassic Chiltan Formation in the Lower Indus Basin, potentially opening a new exploration frontier in Pakistan’s coastal and shallow offshore regions.
According to PPL, drilling of the Dolphin X-1 well began on April 17, 2026, and reached a depth of approximately 3,850 metres. The well was drilled primarily to assess the hydrocarbon potential of the Chiltan Formation.
During testing, the well produced around 942,000 standard cubic feet of gas per day, with a heating value of approximately 1,000 British thermal units per cubic foot. The wellhead flowing pressure was recorded at 211 pounds per square inch.
PPL said the key significance of the discovery lies in confirming the presence of an active petroleum system in the area. The result has also strengthened the exploration potential of the coastal marshlands and their possible extension into adjoining shallow offshore areas.
The Sirani Block is located in difficult marshy terrain, where oil and gas exploration is considered technically challenging. PPL carried out specialised two-dimensional and three-dimensional seismic surveys in the area, which helped identify the prospect that led to the drilling of Dolphin X-1.
PPL operates the Sirani Block with a 75 percent working interest, while Government Holdings Private Limited holds the remaining 25 percent stake.
Despite the positive initial results, the overall size of the gas reserves and their commercial viability have yet to be determined. Preliminary data suggest that the reservoir may have relatively low permeability, requiring further geological and engineering studies.
If additional appraisal work and future wells confirm the continuity of the newly identified hydrocarbon play, Sindh’s coastal belt and adjoining shallow offshore areas could emerge as an important new direction for Pakistan’s oil and gas exploration efforts.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
Construction has officially started on the 82 storey Burj Quaid in DHA City Karachi, marking a major private sector move into large scale high rise development on the outskirts of Pakistan’s largest city. The project is being developed by ABS Developers in collaboration with DHA City Karachi.
ABS Developers announced that construction officially commenced on August 14, 2026. The start follows a formal agreement signed between DHA City Karachi and ABS Developers in May for development of the landmark tower.
Burj Quaid is planned to rise 941 feet with 82 storeys and is being positioned by the developer as Pakistan’s tallest building upon completion. ABS Developers says the project has received relevant height approvals, including from aviation and DHA authorities.
The development is not planned as a standalone residential tower. It is being designed as a major mixed use real estate project, combining luxury residences, corporate offices, retail space, a five star hotel, shopping facilities and a Business and Communication Hub.
The project is expected to occupy approximately six acres, while a six year target has been set for completion.
From a corporate real estate perspective, Burj Quaid represents a significant bet on the future growth of DHA City Karachi. The development has traditionally been associated largely with plotted residential development and lower density projects, but a tower of this scale signals an effort to create a more concentrated residential and commercial centre.
Bringing residential, office, hospitality and retail uses into a single high rise development also indicates expectations of stronger future demand for business activity and premium real estate in the area.
Improved connectivity through the recently operational Shahrah e Bhutto, which has reduced travel time between central Karachi and DHA City, is also being presented as a factor that could strengthen the location’s investment appeal.
An 82 storey development, however, is a long term corporate commitment. Its eventual commercial impact will depend on construction progress, delivery within the planned timeframe, buyer and corporate demand, and the wider pace at which DHA City Karachi develops into an active residential and business destination.
The start of Burj Quaid is therefore more than another addition to Karachi’s skyline. It represents a major corporate bet on transforming DHA City Karachi into a higher density residential, commercial and investment destination.

Karachi | ReNews Pakistan
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has raised concerns over the condition of the Karachi Hyderabad motorway, saying the existing route does not qualify as a motorway in its present state.
Speaking to the media after talks with transporters at the Governor House in Karachi, the minister said the federal government did not want to become involved in disputes surrounding the status of the existing road and would instead focus on improving connectivity through new infrastructure.
Aleem Khan announced that work on a new motorway connecting Sukkur, Hyderabad and Karachi is expected to begin this year. The proposed project is aimed at strengthening the main road link between Karachi, interior Sindh and other parts of the country.
Discussing the existing Karachi Hyderabad route, the minister said the government wanted to avoid any issue that could lead to unnecessary disputes while moving ahead with its road infrastructure plans.
He also said several concerns raised by transporters had been resolved during the meeting. Issues that could be addressed immediately were dealt with, while other demands requiring formal government procedures would be taken forward through relevant committees.
According to the minister, several committees have been constituted to examine the remaining matters and complete the necessary formalities.
The proposed new motorway is expected to improve connectivity between Karachi, Hyderabad and Sukkur, potentially strengthening passenger movement, freight transport and logistics links across Sindh.
Improved motorway connectivity could also support economic and development activity along the Karachi Hyderabad Sukkur corridor by providing faster and more reliable access between major urban, industrial and commercial centres.