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Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited (WEPL) has recognised emerging entrepreneurs from across Pakistan at the 13th Tameer Awards 2026. The programme brought together young innovators to showcase businesses and solutions addressing real-world challenges.
The awards ceremony took place in Karachi on November 5, 2026. This year’s programme received more than 700 applications, compared with over 450 last year.
Following the evaluation process, organisers selected 30 finalists across six categories. These included Circular Economy, Clean Energy Solutions, Empowering Women, Technology Innovation, Transportation and Mobility, and Bright Ideas.
The finalists presented their ideas to judges from Pakistan’s corporate, business, investment and academic sectors. The panel assessed each entry based on its business potential and ability to address practical challenges.
Zubair Shaikh, CEO of Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited, said young entrepreneurs would play an important role in Pakistan’s future economic growth.
“Pakistan’s future economic growth will depend, in part, on young entrepreneurs building businesses that solve real problems and create opportunities. The talent and determination we’ve seen in this year’s finalists continue to give us confidence in the country’s future. Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited believes in investing in that potential. By connecting entrepreneurs with expertise, networks and opportunities, we want to help promising young innovators and businesses progress and build lasting value for Pakistan,” he said.
Habib Haider, Director Retail at Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited, highlighted the increase in applications.
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He said the programme received more than 700 applications this year, up from over 450 last year.
“The diversity of ideas presented by our finalists shows that young Pakistanis are developing solutions across energy, technology, sustainability and artificial intelligence. Tameer gives them an opportunity to present their work, learn from industry leaders and take the next step in building their businesses,” Haider said.
The 13th Tameer Awards recognised businesses and projects across six categories.
Shoukat Hussain won the award for As Sammak Farm SMC Private Limited.
The business uses Biofloc Technology (BFT) for sustainable fish farming. Its approach aims to improve fish production while reducing water and energy consumption and pressure on freshwater resources.
Mujtaba Bilal of Quantify received the runner-up award.
Zakir Hussain won the award for HAS Handicrafts.
The enterprise transforms textile waste and discarded materials into sustainable fashion and lifestyle products. It also supports artisan livelihoods and traditional craftsmanship.
Saleeha Shah of Rent It was named runner-up.
Sehrish Waqqas received the award for Dastaan-e-Rumaan.
The enterprise empowers women artisans by turning hard-to-recycle plastic packaging into durable woven products. It aims to create sustainable livelihoods while preserving traditional handloom skills.
Dr. Khola Abdul Saboor of The Play Co was named runner-up.
Dr. Usman Allauddin won for PAKHYDRO – Indigenous Pakistan’s Hydrogen Generation System.
The project offers a locally developed hydrogen-generation solution that uses electrolysis. It aims to make hydrogen production more affordable.
Shawal Zahid of Elaj Ghar received the runner-up award.
Muhammad Osama Amin won for VM Nebula (SMC-Private) Limited.
Its Sarkit platform uses artificial intelligence and voice-based technology to help traditional bazaar merchants manage complex inventories through everyday speech. The platform aims to make digital business tools more accessible to small retailers.
Arslan Ahmad of Sayvron AI Inc was named runner-up.
Ather Nadeem received the award for Sarai by Thingsty.
The platform supports electric vehicle owners by helping them locate charging stations, plan vehicle-specific journeys and access app-based charging through an integrated Internet of Things (IoT) system.
Abdul Mateen of NUVEX (Private) Limited received the runner-up award.
Now in its 13th edition, the Tameer Awards build on more than two decades of entrepreneurship initiatives.
According to Wafi Energy Pakistan, the programme has supported more than 1,200 startups since its inception. It has also reached over 1.5 million young Pakistanis through entrepreneurship initiatives.
The awards recognise promising businesses and provide opportunities to gain exposure and connect with entrepreneurial networks in Pakistan and internationally.
Wafi Energy Pakistan said it would continue encouraging young people to turn their ideas into sustainable businesses and contribute to the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Wafi Energy Pakistan Limited, majority-owned by Wafi Energy Holding Limited, holds the licence for Shell fuels and lubricants in Pakistan. The company is one of the country’s established energy partners.
In 2024, Wafi Holding acquired an 87.78 per cent stake in Shell Pakistan Limited. The acquisition marked the group’s entry into the Pakistani market and brought strategic investment from the Gulf region.
An associated company of Wafi Holding also serves as the sole representative of the Shell brand for fuel stations in Saudi Arabia.
In Pakistan, Wafi Energy operates more than 700 Shell retail sites. Its operations also include oil terminal facilities, a lubricants blending plant and a portfolio of Shell products, including Helix, Rimula and Advance.
The company is also the largest private investor in the White Oil Pipeline operated by Pak-Arab Pipeline Company (PAPCO). With a business legacy dating back to 1947, Wafi Energy continues to support Pakistan’s energy infrastructure and industrial development.
