ASHRAE RAL SR1 Planning Meeting Sets New Milestones in Pakistan’s HVAC&R Industry

The ASHRAE Pakistan Chapter made history by hosting the inaugural ASHRAE RAL SR1 Planning Meeting from August 4th to 6th, 2023, amidst the captivating landscapes of Nathiagali, Pakistan. This monumental occasion marked a moment of pride for Pakistan, as it hosted the first-ever international event organized by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) within its borders.
Established in 1895, ASHRAE is a globally recognized society of engineers and professionals dedicated to advancing the fields of Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC&R). Headquartered in Atlanta, USA, ASHRAE boasts a membership of over 50,000 professionals across 130 countries. ASHRAE’s organizational structure comprises various geographical regions and sub-regions, with Region-at-Large (RAL) being the largest, further divided into Sub-Region 1 and 2. ASHRAE RAL SR1, encompassing 16 chapters including Pakistan, Turkey, Oman, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Libya, focuses on promoting excellence and innovation within the HVAC&R sector.
The ASHRAE RAL SR1 Planning Meeting represents a pivotal annual gathering where member chapters from the respective region convene in a chosen host country to deliberate and strategize on regional activities. This year, Pakistan had the honor of being selected as the host country for the ASHRAE RAL SR1 Planning Meeting 2023-24, underscoring the nation’s burgeoning role in shaping the future of HVAC&R.
The ASHRAE Pakistan Chapter took center stage as the principal host of this landmark event, showcasing the exquisite beauty of Nathiagali as the backdrop for this intellectual exchange. With its pleasant climate, scenic valleys, and lush forests, Nathiagali offered an ideal environment for delegates to engage in productive discussions while experiencing the natural wonders of Pakistan’s northern regions.
En route to Nathiagali from Islamabad International Airport, delegates had the opportunity to explore the captivating city of Islamabad, a testament to Pakistan’s vibrant culture and modernity. The Alpine Hotel, nestled amidst serene surroundings, provided a comfortable and serene haven for participants, who praised the hospitality and impeccable arrangements.
A particularly significant highlight was the presence of Mr. Farooq Mehboob, the immediate past president of ASHRAE, as one of the leaders of the SR1 Meeting. Mr. Farooq Mehboob, a founding member of both the ASHRAE Pakistan Chapter and the Pakistan HVACR Society, holds the distinction of being the first non-American and non-European member to assume the presidency of ASHRAE since its inception in 1895. His leadership and contributions serve as an inspiration to the global HVAC&R community.
The success of the ASHRAE RAL SR1 Planning Meeting owes much to the exceptional efforts of the Organizing Committee led by Muhammad Abbas Sajid (Chair Managing Committee), Adeeba Mehboob (Vice Chair), Muhammad Omer Khan (President ASHRAE APC), and Ibad Hasan (Secretary ASHRAE APC). Their unwavering dedication, meticulous planning, and collaborative spirit were instrumental in creating a memorable and impactful event that will be remembered in the annals of ASHRAE history.
The ASHRAE RAL SR1 Planning Meeting culminated with resounding support for more ASHRAE events in Pakistan, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the industry. The event’s co-hosts included the ASHRAE Northern Pakistan Chapter, Central Pakistan Chapter, and Faisalabad Chapter, while the Business Relay Group (BRG) expertly organized this historic event, ensuring its seamless execution.
The ASHRAE RAL SR1 Planning Meeting exemplifies the dedication of ASHRAE Pakistan Chapter to driving excellence, sustainability, and knowledge-sharing within the HVAC&R sector. This extraordinary gathering not only celebrated Pakistan’s role as a host but also underscored the nation’s growing influence in the global HVAC&R community.