LITTLE HISTORY In 1994 eminent geoscientists of international repute gathered in Karachi and decided to establish a local chapter of American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), which is one of the world’s largest geological associations and has over 30,000 members in 116 countries. AAPG was founded in 1917 and has been a pillar of the worldwide scientific community. The original purpose of AAPG, to foster scientific research, to advance the science of geology, to promote technology, and to inspire high professional conduct, still guides the Association today. Currently the world’s largest professional geological society with over 30,000 members, AAPG provide publications, conferences, and educational opportunities t o geoscientists and disseminates the most current geological information available to the general public. AAPG has six regional sections in the United States composed of the affiliated geological societies in the area and six international regions which include Association members as individuals o r as group of affiliated geological societies. Each section and region has its own officers and meetings and provides a forum for discussion of the geologic issues pertinent to the region. The local chapter was named as
Pakistan Association of Petroleum Geoscientists (PAPG).

PURPOSE The purposes of this Association are to advance the earth sciences especially as they relate to petroleum, natural gas and other subsurface fluids and mineral resources, to promote the technology of exploring for, finding and producing these materials in an economically and environmentally sound manner, to foster the spirit of scientific research throughout its membership; to disseminate information relating to the earth sciences and the associated technology of petroleum, natural gas, and other subsurface fluids and mineral resources; to inspire and maintain a high standard of professional conduct on the part of its members; to provide the public with means to recognize adequately trained and professionally responsible earth scientists and to advance the professional well-being of its members.

ORGANIZATION

The members of PAPG consist of persons concerned with the professional application of the earth sciences and following are the classifications of membership.

• Active members
• Honorary Members
• Junior
• Students
• Associate

The officers of this Association shall be the following:

• Chairman
• Vice Chairman
• Chairman Elect
• Secretary
• Joint Secretary
• Treasurer

After overcoming the initial teething problems the PAPG membership started growing, several distinguished short lectures were arranged during the very first year. First ever convention was held in 1997 which was focused on "Under Developed Basins of Pakistan".

OPERATIONAL STATUS During the following years, organization arranged couple of field excursions to famous geological locations. These field trips were actively participated by the young as well as very experienced geoscientists. A well attended structural geology workshop was held in Islamabad. In 1998 PAPG with collaboration of PPEPCA arranged first ever Petroleum Convention, focusing on the Petroleum Policy and Fields Case Histories. Outcome was high class presentations which were presented in an excellent memoir. Subsequently, PAPG and Pakistan Section of Society of Petroleum Engineers organized its first joint annual technical conference in October, 1999. This joint conference proved highly successful and was attended by about 450 participants from the E&P industry, academician and government bodies.
The organization has grown to more than 700 members now, representing all the geographical parts of the country and all the active oil companies.