PPL Unveils State-of-the-Art Training and R&D Centre at UET Lahore

Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) MD & CEO 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. This landmark initiative has been established under PPL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. Abbasy unveiled the commemorative plaque in the presence of UET Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Shahid Munir, along with senior officials and industry representatives. Also in attendance were the Chairman of the Pakistan Engineering Council, Vice Chancellor of Qarshi University, Chairman of the Pakistan Chemicals Manufacturing Association, and Chairman of the Pakistan Chemistry Council, alongside a large number of faculty members and students. The audience welcomed PPL’s efforts to promote research, training, and the professional development of students. Backed by a PKR 51.1 million grant from PPL for 2022–2025, CERDT is a flagship academia-industry collaboration that aims to strengthen indigenous technical capacity and research in Pakistan’s oil and gas sector. The grant has covered construction, furnishing, and the procurement of advanced simulation and laboratory equipment for the centre. Speaking at the event, Abbasy 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.” The CERDT is the first of its kind in the petroleum sector and is envisioned to: UET Vice Chancellor Dr. Shahid Munir highlighted the university’s mission to align 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 major milestone toward building a self-reliant, skilled workforce and enhancing Pakistan’s capacity for energy innovation and sustainable development.