SPE ATC 2026 highlights innovation, investment, energy security

ISLAMABAD (News Desk): The Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Pakistan Section has launched its 31st Annual Technical Conference (ATC) and Exhibition in Islamabad, bringing together more than 1,500 delegates from Pakistan and abroad for the country’s flagship upstream oil and gas event.

The two-day conference, being held on January 28–29 at a local hotel, serves as a key platform for strategic dialogue and technical exchange among industry leaders, geoscientists, engineers, policymakers, academia and international stakeholders. This year’s theme, “Energizing the Future from Within: Sustainably, Securely, Strategically,” reflects Pakistan’s focus on strengthening energy security through indigenous resource development, advanced technologies and responsible operations.

Advisor on Privatization and Chairman of the Privatization Commission, Muhammad Ali, attended the opening ceremony as chief guest. Senior executives from leading national and international exploration and production (E&P) companies, service providers and academic institutions were also present, alongside a diverse international delegation.

In his welcome address, Faheem Haider, MD and CEO of MariEnergies and Chairman ATC 2026, stressed the industry’s responsibility to secure Pakistan’s energy future through local resources and innovation. He pointed to renewed optimism following the Offshore Bid Round 2025 and underlined the need for technical excellence supported by integrated, data-driven geoscience and engineering solutions. He also highlighted the growing role of digitalisation and artificial intelligence in improving efficiency, safety and cost optimisation, while calling for stronger collaboration between industry and academia to accelerate technology adoption and talent development.

The chief guest inaugurated the Mega Exhibition and Oil Show and visited various booths set up by national and international exhibitors. The displays featured technologies including advanced drilling systems, subsurface imaging, intelligent completions, production optimisation tools and AI-driven solutions, showcasing the sector’s shift towards more efficient and future-ready operations.

Addressing participants, Muhammad Ali appreciated the efforts of organisers, sponsors and industry leaders in hosting what he described as Pakistan’s premier upstream event. He reiterated the importance of sustainability, security and strategic planning, and highlighted the government’s policy initiatives aimed at revitalising the E&P sector. He also noted that the success of recent offshore and onshore bid rounds — including participation from Turkish Petroleum, United Energy and a new local entrant, Fatima Petroleum — reflects growing investor confidence in government policies.

The ceremony also featured the presentation of Lifetime Achievement Awards in geoscience and petroleum engineering from both academia and industry. The honours were awarded to Muhammad Riaz Khan, Professor Arif Ali, Munir Ghazanfar and Muhammad Maroof in recognition of their distinguished contributions to Pakistan’s E&P sector and academic development.

Through innovation, proven technologies and stronger industry–academia linkages, the ATC continues to play a vital role in enhancing operational performance, improving recovery from mature fields and supporting the responsible development of Pakistan’s indigenous hydrocarbon resources.