PESHAWAR, May 17: The National Centre of Excellence (NCE) in Geology, University of Peshawar, and the Pakistan Association of Petroleum Geologists have arranged a two-day Petroleum symposium to be held here on May 24 and 25.

The symposium is aimed at highlighting new discoveries and discussing recent trends in hydrocarbon development in the country, said a press release of the NCE in Geology.

Another aspect to be discussed at the symposium is the interaction between universities and the industry with respect to research in hydrocarbon development, it added.

The symposium will have different sessions, including papers’ presentation and a round-table discussion. Technical and managerial personnel from industry, scientists and researchers will take part in the discussion to explore possibilities of greater collaboration in the areas of hydrocarbon exploration.

Pakistan is gifted with huge sedimentary basins stretching over 800,000sq km. According to a careful estimate, Pakistan’s hydrocarbon-rich basins have a potential of 200 trillion cubic feet of gas and 40 billion barrels of oil. However, so far only a small part of these resources have been exploited. The NWFP has recently emerged as an oil-rich province in the country. After the Chanda and Gurguri oil and gas discoveries, MOL in collaboration with OGDCL, PPL and POL has successfully tested a well in the Tal block of the same province.

It is a common practice the world over to have a close interaction between universities, research institutions and industry. Such linkages over the years have been mutually beneficial. Industry benefits from availing expertise that would otherwise be available at high cost.

The universities, in return, not only help tap additional financial resources, but also add a touch of practicality to their research.

Dr Fazle Rabi of the National Centre of Excellence has been made convener of the symposium.—APP