LAHORE (Zahid Yaqoob Khawaja): MD & CEO, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) Mr. Imran Abbasy as Chief Guest, formally inaugurated the Center of Excellence for Research, Development and Training (CERDT) at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, a landmark initiative funded by PPL under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme.

MD PPL unveiled the commemorative plaque in the presence of Professor Dr. Shahid Munir, Vice Chancellor, UET Lahore, alongside senior officials and industry representatives.

Chairman Pakistan Engineering Council, VC Qarshi University, Chairman Pakistan Chemicals Manufacturing Association and Chairman Pakistan Chemistry Council, besides a large number of university faculty and students were also present.The audience applauded PPL’s initiative in research and training and development of the young students.

With a PKR 51.1 million grant by PPL over three years (2022–25), the CERDT is a flagship academia-industry collaboration aimed at strengthening Pakistan’s indigenous technical expertise and research ecosystem in the oil and gas sector. The funding covered the construction, furnishing, and procurement of cutting-edge simulation and laboratory equipment for the Centre.

Mr. Imran Abbasy, while addressing the audience, reaffirmed PPL’s commitment to social investment. “As one of the largest corporate donors in Pakistan, contributing over PKR 3.5 billion annually, PPL is deeply committed to human resource development and fostering innovation through strategic academia-industry synergies,” he said. “This initiative empowers youth by creating research, training, and innovation opportunities right here in Pakistan,” he added;-

The CERDT is the first of its kind in Pakistan’s petroleum sector, envisioned to:-
• Provide free technical training to PPL staff and other industry professionals
• Undertake applied research projects in exploration and production (E&P)
• Host national and international petroleum conferences and seminars
• Support in-house R&D projects, including production optimization and shale gas studies

Vice Chancellor UET, Dr. Shahid Munir, emphasized the university’s continued commitment to aligning academic excellence with industry needs. “The establishment of CERDT is a bold step in producing future-ready professionals equipped with real-world expertise,” he added.
The inauguration marks a milestone in building a self-reliant, skilled workforce, and boosting Pakistan’s capacity in energy innovation and sustainable development.”