Islamabad (TDI): Hungarian energy group MOL has announced the discovery of three new natural gas reserves in the Tal Block, Kohat District, Pakistan.
The news was shared by Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Péter Szijjártó, during a joint press conference with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, in Islamabad yesterday.
The discovery marks a new milestone in the long-standing energy partnership between Hungary and Pakistan.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary, Péter Szijjártó @FM_Szijjarto departs after a successful visit to Pakistan. The visit marked a step forward in strengthening bilateral ties and exploring new avenues of cooperation in trade, investment, and mutual collaboration.… pic.twitter.com/xmd7Zsngbb
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 17, 2025
MOL has been active in Pakistan for over twenty five years, investing more than $400 million into the country’s energy sector and employing approximately nine hundred local workers.
The company currently holds a strong position in Pakistan’s hydrocarbon sector, ranking second in crude oil and LPG extraction and fifth in natural gas production.
The newly identified gas fields are expected to enhance MOL’s production capabilities and contribute to the stability and growth of Pakistan’s domestic energy supply.
Hungarian Foreign Minister Szijjártó emphasized the mutual benefits of this achievement, highlighting that MOL’s international success also plays a vital role in strengthening Hungary’s national economy.
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He noted that robust international operations by Hungarian enterprises help generate valuable returns for the country.
Beyond the energy sector, Szijjártó underscored the importance of broader bilateral cooperation between Hungary and Pakistan.
Speaking at the press conference, he praised the respectful and stable relationship that both nations have maintained over the years — one that has remained free of political friction, fostering a welcoming climate for commercial collaboration.
🔴LIVE: Joint Press Stakeout between the DPM/FM of Pakistan and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary https://t.co/Bzo4Mha0cD
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) April 17, 2025
The Hungarian delegation, composed of seventeen business leaders from various globally competitive sectors, including water management, accompanied the foreign minister on this diplomatic visit.
The visit also highlighted the steady expansion of trade ties, with Szijjártó noting that the bilateral trade volume had doubled by April 2024. He further pointed out a record-high level of Pakistani imports into Hungary this year.
In pursuit of sustainable growth, Hungary and Pakistan are actively preparing new agreements on investment protection and civil aviation, which could pave the way for the establishment of direct air links between the two countries.
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Concluding the press conference, Szijjártó expressed optimism for the future of Hungarian-Pakistani relations, stating that both nations aim for broader and stronger cooperation in the years ahead.
Pakistan’s FM thanked Hungary for its support toward extension of Pakistan’s GSP+ preferential trade status in the European Union.
After concluding all the planned meetings, a one-on-one with FM Dar as well as delegation-level talks, Hungarian FM departed via the Islamabad International Airport.
Areeba Kanwal is a contributor at The Diplomatic Insight and has passion for International Relations and diplomacy.
