BANGKOK: Pakistan has made its first-ever representation at Gastech, the global natural gas and energy exhibition and conference, with Universal Gas Distribution Company (UGDC) using the platform to attract international investment into the country’s emerging private gas market.
UGDC became the first Pakistani company to establish a stall at Gastech 2026, being held at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC) from September 14–17. The participation marks a significant step in promoting Pakistan’s gas-sector investment opportunities to international energy companies.
Gastech 2026 has brought together major energy companies, policymakers and investors from around the world. Organisers have projected more than 50,000 attendees and 1,000 exhibitors from over 150 countries, while official event material lists thousands of delegates and speakers.
UGDC Seeks International Partnerships
UGDC showcased investment opportunities in Pakistan’s gas sector, particularly in private distribution networks, gas processing, pipelines, storage and related infrastructure.
The company is seeking joint ventures and strategic partnerships with international energy firms, including US-based companies, to develop dedicated gas distribution networks serving industrial, bulk and other high-volume consumers.
UGDC Chief Executive Officer Ghiyas Abdullah Paracha said the company was engaging international investors to develop gas infrastructure and expand private-sector participation in the market.
Pakistan’s gas distribution system is currently dominated by state-owned Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL) and Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC). UGDC is positioning private distribution networks and third-party access as potential mechanisms for increasing competition and improving supply efficiency.
35% Gas Allocation Opens New Market
A key element of UGDC’s investment pitch is the government’s policy allowing exploration and production companies to allocate up to 35% of gas from new discoveries to private parties.
Paracha described the policy as an important step towards deregulating gas distribution. UGDC has argued that greater private-sector participation could provide exploration companies with additional routes to market their gas while creating new opportunities for investment in distribution and processing infrastructure.
The company has also highlighted Pakistan’s gas-sector circular debt as a major challenge requiring structural reforms and additional investment. UGDC has previously cited the figure at around Rs3.8 trillion, including principal and late-payment surcharges.
Focus on Indigenous Gas and Infrastructure
Beyond distribution, UGDC is seeking investment in indigenous gas exploration and development, raw-gas treatment, LNG infrastructure, pipelines, storage and gas trading, according to its Gastech investment pitch.
The company says private investment could help develop dedicated infrastructure for industrial and bulk consumers while improving access to locally produced gas.
UGDC has also promoted the potential role of technology, third-party access and new infrastructure in reducing dependence on imported energy and addressing inefficiencies within Pakistan’s gas market. These remain the company’s stated expectations rather than independently verified outcomes.
Pakistan’s Energy Sector on Global Platform
Pakistan’s Ambassador to Thailand Sadia Qazi visited the UGDC exhibition stall during the event and highlighted the importance of Pakistani businesses engaging with international energy markets.
She also stressed the need to combine conventional gas supply with modern technologies, artificial intelligence and lower-carbon solutions as Pakistan works towards strengthening long-term energy security.
UGDC’s participation places Pakistan’s evolving private gas market before a global audience at a time when the country is seeking new investment in domestic energy production, gas infrastructure and supply-chain efficiency.
Story by Khalid Mustafa
