In the history of oil discovery in Pakistan, the name Khaur is a major milestone. Unfortunately, this historic area remains unknown to most people today. Even though it has been inhabited for decades, even centuries, it is not on the list of Pakistan’s famous cities. People know about places like Multan, Mianwali, Lahore, Rawalpindi, Chinlot, Chachawatni, and Rajan Pur, but about 95% of Punjab’s population has never even heard of Khaur.
Let’s learn some interesting facts about this historic region today.
The History of Oil Discovery in the Subcontinent
First, you should know that the organization we now see in Pakistan as the Geological Survey of Pakistan (GSP) was originally founded in England in 1913. At that time, the entire subcontinent (modern-day Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh) was part of the British Empire.
It’s worth noting that while oil was first discovered in the subcontinent in 1889 in Digboi, Assam (India), the first oil discovery in the area that is now Pakistan happened in Khaur in 1911.
Attock Petroleum and the First Drilling
A British company called “Attock Petroleum” was formed. This company started work on the first oil well on September 1, 1914, and completed it by March 1915.
The Start of Pakistan Oilfields Limited
After Pakistan’s independence, a branch of this company was established in Pakistan on November 25, 1950, under the name “Pakistan Oilfields Limited.” By 1978, this company had gained control of Attock Petroleum’s exploration and production, and today, it is still one of the leading oil and gas production companies in Pakistan.
Signs of its Historic Importance
Between 1915 and 1954, 396 shallow wells were dug in the Khaur oil field. This clearly shows that Khaur’s oil played a key role in Pakistan’s history. It’s likely that almost every car in Punjab has used fuel that came from oil extracted in Khaur.
Jamia Masjid Khaur: A Historic Landmark
If you ever pass through this area, be sure to see the Jamia Masjid Khaur Company. This mosque still brings back memories of the time when rigs used to work on the oil wells here. Some of the old oil wells still exist in Khaur, standing as witnesses to the region’s historic importance.
Summary
Khaur is an important chapter in Pakistan’s energy history. We need to remember it and recognize its historical significance. This region is not only the site of Pakistan’s first oil discovery but also a key part of the story of the country’s journey towards energy self-reliance.