Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) has taken a monumental step toward advancing technical expertise and innovation in Pakistan’s energy sector with the inauguration of the Center of Excellence for Research, Development and Training (CERDT) at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore.
🎉 A Major Academia-Industry Collaboration
The PKR 51.1 million initiative was formally inaugurated by PPL MD & CEO Imran Abbasy, alongside UET Vice Chancellor Dr. Shahid Munir, and other dignitaries from Pakistan’s engineering, chemical, and academic sectors.
This flagship CSR project, funded under PPL’s 2022–2025 corporate social responsibility grant, underscores the company’s commitment to human capital development, research, and national self-reliance in the energy domain.
🔬 What is CERDT?
The Center of Excellence for Research, Development and Training (CERDT) is Pakistan’s first petroleum-sector-focused R&D facility based at a public university. It is designed to:
- 🔧 Offer free technical training for PPL staff and other industry professionals
- 📊 Support applied research in exploration and production (E&P)
- 🌍 Host national and international petroleum conferences
- 🧪 Enable in-house R&D, including shale gas and production optimization studies
💬 What the Leaders Said
🗣️ Imran Abbasy, CEO, PPL:
“PPL contributes over PKR 3.5 billion annually in CSR initiatives. With CERDT, we are investing in youth, innovation, and sustainable energy development. This centre empowers future engineers with real-world tools right here in Pakistan.”
🗣️ Dr. Shahid Munir, VC, UET:
“CERDT reflects our mission to align academic excellence with industry demands. This collaboration will produce graduates who are not just qualified but industry-ready.”
🚀 Why This Matters
CERDT represents a critical bridge between academia and industry, promoting:
- Skilled workforce development in oil & gas
- Enhanced local research capabilities
- A boost to energy sector self-sufficiency
- Innovation-driven growth in Pakistan’s petroleum landscape
With this milestone, Pakistan moves closer to becoming a hub of energy expertise and applied petroleum research in South Asia.
