Department of Polymer and Process Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore organized 1st Pak Polymer Symposium 2024 in Chemical Engineering Seminar Hall at UET Lahore. The Symposium was sponsored by the Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), Pak Petrochemicals Ltd., and chaired by Prof. Dr. Asif Ali Qaiser. Talking to the Inaugural Ceremony, Prof. Qaiser welcomed the symposium delegates and gave an overview of the day-long program. As the chief guest, Mr. Kashif Anwar, President Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industries (LCCI) highlighted the importance of strong linkages between industry and academia and applauded the efforts of faculty and chairman of polymer engineering department for establishing meaningful linkages with industry. Prof. Dr. John Verbeek, University of Auckland, New Zealand, delivered a Plenary Speech on' A Transdisciplinary Approach to Solving Some of New Zealand's Plastic Waste Problem'. At the end of the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor UET, Prof. Dr. Nasir Hayat distributed shields among the guests. The Dean, Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Prof. Dr. Naveed Ramzan also attended the symposium as a guest along with the Dean of Engg. NTU Faisalabad, Prof. Dr. Yasir Nawab and Director ITPE, PU, Prof. Dr. Shahzad Maqsood. The subsequent program of the symposium comprised five technical sessions and a poster competition, as follows.

1st Technical Session: Product Design and Injection Molding: Prospects and Challenges

2nd Technical Session: A Sectorial Overview of Pipe and Profile Extrusion Industry

3rd Technical Session: Design and Recycling Challenges in Flexible Packaging

4th Technical Session: Advanced Polymer Composites for Industrial Applications

5th Technical Session: New Materials and Processing Techniques for Elastomers

Delegates from leading industries SPEL, FlexPac Association, RON Extrusion, Fibercraft composites, Pakpetrtrochemical, FPCCI, Alka Chemicals, FiberCraft, Panther Tires, Vital Polymers, Combine Packaging, ERL, Matrix Composites, and PCSIR along with academia attended the symposium. A large number of UET students were also present on the occasion. In the poster competition, total 20 posters were presented where COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) secured 1st Position (Cash Prize of Rs. 25,000) whereas ITPE PU secured second position (winning Rs. 15,000 as prize money). Concluding the symposium, shields, and certificates were awarded to the organizers and volunteer students.