ISLAMABAD, JAN 28 /DNA/ The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Pakistan Section has commenced the 31st Annual Technical Conference (ATC) & Exhibition, being held on January 28–29, 2026, at the Serena Hotel, Islamabad. Pakistan’s flagship upstream conference and largest technical gathering, ATC provides a central platform for strategic dialogue and technical exchange among Oil & Gas leaders, Geoscientists, Engineers, Policymakers, Academia, and global stakeholders, with participation from over 1,500 delegates from Pakistan and abroad.
The Advisor on Privatization and Chairman Privatization Commission, Mr. Muhammad Ali, graced the Opening Ceremony as Chief Guest, joined by Managing Directors/CEOs and senior leadership from leading national and international E&P companies, service providers, and academia, alongside a diverse global delegation. The ATC 2026 theme, “Energizing the Future from Within: Sustainably, Securely, Strategically,” underscores Pakistan’s focus on energy security through indigenous resource development, strategic technology adoption, and responsible operations.
In his welcome address, Mr. Faheem Haider, MD & CEO MariEnergies and Chairman ATC 2026, emphasized the industry’s responsibility to secure Pakistan’s energy future through indigenous resources and innovation. He highlighted the renewed optimism from the Offshore Bid Round 2025, the need for technical excellence supported by integrated, data-driven geoscience and engineering solutions, and the growing role of digitalization and artificial intelligence in improving efficiency, safety, and cost optimization. He also called for stronger industry–academia collaboration to accelerate technology adoption and talent development.
The hon’ble Advisor also inaugurated the Mega Exhibition & Oil Show and visited booths hosted by national and international exhibitors, showcasing technologies spanning advanced drilling systems, subsurface imaging, intelligent completions, production optimization, and artificial intelligence, reflecting the industry’s commitment to responsible and future-ready operations.
Through innovation, proven technology deployment, and strong industry–academia collaboration, the Annual Technical Conference (ATC) continues to strengthen Pakistan’s E&P sector, enabling improved operational performance, enhanced recovery from mature fields, and the responsible development of indigenous hydrocarbon resources through strategic execution.
Addressing the audience, the Advisor on Privatization and Chairman Privatization Commission, Mr. Muhammad Ali, appreciated the efforts of the organizers, sponsors, and industry leadership in delivering Pakistan’s premier industry event. He reiterated the importance of Sustainability, Security, and Strategy, highlighted the Government’s policy initiatives to support and revitalize the E&P sector, and reaffirmed ATC’s role as a leading forum for knowledge-sharing and practical solutions for long-term upstream growth and resilience. He mentioned that success in both offshore and onshore bid rounds, especially the participation of Turkish Petroleum, United Energy, and a new local entrant Fatima Petroleum reflects the confidence of investors in government policies.
During the ceremony, Lifetime Achievement Awards in Geoscience and Petroleum Engineering, from both Academia and Industry, were presented to Mr. Muhammad Riaz Khan, Professor Mr. Arif Ali, Mr. Munir Ghazanfar, and Mr. Muhammad Maroof in recognition of their distinguished contributions to Pakistan’s E&P sector and academia.
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