The State Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources disclosed that a target of 100 wells had been fixed for exploration in various parts of the country.
He said that survey for finding out the oil and gas reservoirs was in top gear because the government had issued licenses for the purpose.
The government had taken the step for making the country self-sufficient in petroleum and natural gas, he said.
Mengal said that Pakistan was rich and full of natural resources, which were being exploited through digging more oil wells in every nook and corner of the country.
He said the government had adopted tangible measures for protecting all the vital installations at all cost and political blackmailing would not be tolerated in this regard.
The State Minister, while responding to a question regarding the prevailing Balochistan situation, said that no military operation was being carried out in the province and termed it a sheer propaganda of some elements.
Nasir Mengal said that some elements were trying to hinder the development process for their own interests in the province, adding the government was mobilising huge funds on the development of Balochistan for bringing prosperity.
He said that the completion of Gwadar project would play an instrumental role in the overall development and bringing economic stability in the Balochistan province.
He disclosed that the export processing and industrial zone projects would also be established in Gwadar, adding that both the projects would help promote industrialisation and trade activities in the area.
The Minister said that the government was making all out efforts for the elimination of terrorism on top priority aimed at making Pakistan terrorism-free state.
Nasir Mengal was of the opinion that Sindh and Balochistan situation would not affect the schedule of the fast approaching local bodies elections, adding that the situation would be resolved on political basis.