Karachi – The 8th Pakistan Edible Oil Conference (PEOC-26) concluded on Saturday at the Mövenpick Hotel, Karachi, bringing together key stakeholders from Pakistan’s edible oil, oilseed, and agribusiness sectors for dialogue, learning, and recognition of industry excellence.
Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Governor of Sindh Kamran Khan Tessori also attended the conference and distributed awards among prominent business leaders for their contributions to the sector.
The high-profile event was attended by The High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan Tarik Ali Khan, Sheikh Atif Ikram, President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI); Rasheed Jan Muhammad, Chairman of the Pakistan Edible Oil Refiners Association (PEORA); Sheikh Umer Rehan, Chairman of the Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA); Bashir Jan Muhammad; and other senior industry representatives and dignitaries.
Adding a cultural highlight to the evening, renowned Pakistani singer-songwriter and actor Ali Zafar delivered an unforgettable live performance during the PEOC-26 Awards Ceremony, captivating the audience and lending a celebratory tone to the conclusion of the conference.
Addressing the conference, Federal Minister Jam Kamal Khan commended all stakeholders for organizing a comprehensive learning platform that successfully brought together policymakers, industry leaders, and international partners. He particularly appreciated the efforts of PEORA and the Pakistan Seed Association for fostering collaboration and constructive dialogue in a sector vital to Pakistan’s food security.
The Minister also highlighted the recent visit of the President of Indonesia to Pakistan, describing it as a positive and productive engagement that further strengthened bilateral relations. He expressed optimism that Pakistan’s trade ties with Indonesia and Malaysia especially in palm oil and other commodities would continue to grow. Additionally, he noted Indonesia’s keen interest in expanding cooperation with Pakistan in the rare-earth minerals sector.
Jam Kamal Khan emphasized that Pakistan maintains strong and enduring trade relations with countries such as Indonesia, Malaysia, the United States, and Canada, adding that these partnerships are increasingly evolving into broader strategic cooperation beyond conventional trade.
Speaking at the Pakistan Oilseed Summit, Eqan Ali Khan, CEO of Fauji Akbar Portia (FAP), highlighted Pakistan’s nutritional challenges, particularly widespread protein deficiency. He underscored FAP’s role in supporting edible oil producers, especially during periods when GMO imports faced restrictions.
He further outlined FAP’s $120 million investment at Port Qasim, made in collaboration with Cargill and the Fauji Foundation, to establish a state-of-the-art terminal addressing critical shipping and storage challenges. “Nearly 90 percent of Pakistan’s rice exports pass through our terminal, with vessel turnaround achieved within three to four days,” he said, adding that FAP also provides packing, financing facilities, and operates the largest silo storage capacity at Port Qasim.
In his concluding remarks, PEORA Chairman Rasheed Jan Muhammad noted that Pakistan imported 29 million tons of soybeans in 2025, with imports expected to decline to 19 million tons next year. He stated that per-capita edible oil consumption in Pakistan stands at 18 kilograms per year and is gradually declining.
He pointed out that stagnant agricultural growth due to water scarcity remains a major challenge; however, expanded cultivation of sunflower and other oilseeds could significantly help reduce Pakistan’s dependence on edible oil imports. Calling PEOC his brainchild, he said the conference has grown in scope and influence over the years due to consistent leadership and industry support.
The U.S. Soybean Export Council and the Canada Canola Council provided technical expertise and learning support during the Pakistan Oilseed Summit, contributing to knowledge-sharing on sustainable oilseed production.
The conference concluded with an awards ceremony honouring Pakistan’s leading edible oil importers, marking a successful close to PEOC-26 and reinforcing the sector’s commitment to growth, collaboration, and innovation.
