i>The Pakistan Energy Conference 2026 concluded on Thursday with a resounding consensus on the need for comprehensive reforms, accelerated innovation, and sustainable growth to address the country’s pressing energy challenges.

i>Held at the Serena Hotel and organized by the Petroleum Institute of Pakistan, the flagship event brought together government officials, industry leaders, and global experts under the theme “Transforming Pakistan’s Energy Sector.”

i>In a video message to open the conference, Federal Minister for Energy Ali Pervaiz Malik underscored the government’s commitment to structural reforms, investment facilitation, and long-term energy security. He emphasized sustainability as a core pillar of the national strategy.

i>The conference’s agenda was anchored by strategic insights from the newly unveiled Pakistan Energy Outlook 2025. The report highlighted critical needs for integrated planning to balance growing energy demand, supply dynamics, and environmental imperatives.

i>A series of high-level keynote presentations set the tone for future-focused discussions. Mahmoud Seyam, Division GeoUnit Manager for Digital & Integration at SLB, addressed the transformative role of digital technologies in shaping the energy landscape. Dr. Naveed Arshad, Director of the LUMS Energy Institute, outlined emerging opportunities for the oil and gas sector in battery energy storage systems and the carbon credits market.

i>The core of the conference featured five in-depth panel discussions tackling the sector's most critical issues. Experts debated pathways for upstream revival, including unlocking offshore potential and attracting vital foreign direct investment. Downstream policy challenges and the imperative for regulatory clarity were extensively examined.

i>Panels also delved into the practical application of artificial intelligence to enhance operational efficiency and strategic decision-making. The consistent thread across all discussions was the urgent need for policy consistency, robust risk-sharing mechanisms, and significant investment in capacity building.

i>Industry support for the conference was robust, with Oil and Gas Development Company Limited serving as Lead Partner. Gold Partners included Pak Arab Refinery Ltd, Pakistan Petroleum Limited, Pakistan State Oil, and United Energy Pakistan Ltd.

i>In closing remarks, the leadership of the Petroleum Institute of Pakistan reaffirmed its role as a neutral platform for dialogue and consensus-building. The conference solidified its position as Pakistan’s premier forum for shaping a pragmatic, resilient, and sustainable energy future.