Promoting Engineering
Collaboration and Nurturing Talent:

In a significant endeavor to foster collaboration and support the engineering community, the Pakistan Engineering Council Vice Chairman Sindh, Engr. Mukhtar Sheikh, Engr. Zahid Arif (former Vice Chairman of PEC KPK), Engr. Abdul Rehman Shaikh, Engr. Mohsin Ali Khan, Engr. Mian Sultan Mehmood (members of the PEC Governing Body), and representatives from the National Engineers Association, including Engr. Nadeem Malik, Engr. Khalil Ahmed Shaikh, Engr. Muniba Memon and Engr. Abdul Rafiq Shaikh recently visited the head office of DESCON Engineering Limited in Lahore. This visit aimed to strengthen ties between PEC, DESCON, and regional engineering bodies, explore opportunities for collaboration, and promote internship programs for fresh engineering graduates.
The visit commenced with a warm welcome from the DESCON team, led by Engr. Imran Cheema, head of development (Also a member of PEC’s Board of Governors). Engr. Cheema expressed his gratitude to the distinguished guests for their presence and highlighted the importance of collaboration between industry and professional institutions for the growth and development of the engineering sector.
During the visit, the DESCON team presented a comprehensive overview of their ongoing and completed projects, showcasing their expertise in various sectors, including infrastructure, housing, and energy. Notable projects such as the Hydropower plants/dams, canals, bridges, water treatment plants, wind towers, housing schemes, and irrigation gates were highlighted, illustrating DESCON’s commitment to excellence and innovation in engineering. The guests were impressed by the scale and quality of the projects, reflecting DESCON’s technical capabilities and adherence to international standards.
Among the DESCON team, two members, Mr. Akhter Ali, and Mr. Omar Sajjad, were introduced. Mr. Akhter Ali, the Project Sponsor and advisor, and Mr. Omar Sajjad, the Head of Proposals in the Infrastructure Division, play a crucial role in shaping DESCON’s future projects, aligning with DESCON’s vision of sustainable growth and expansion.
Vice Chairman Engr. Mukhtar Sheikh took the opportunity to present the PEC On-the-Job Training (OJT) program, which offers industries the opportunity to arrange internships for fresh graduate engineers. He emphasized the importance of practical experience in shaping the future of young engineers and bridging the gap between academia and industry. PEC provides a stipend of Pakistani Rupees 30,000 per month, encouraging industries to contribute a minimum of Pakistani Rupees 10,000 per month. Engineer Sheikh extended the internship offer to DESCON Engineering Limited, recognizing their commitment to excellence and their potential to provide valuable learning experiences for young engineers.
Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood, the founder of DESCON Engineering Limited, graciously accepted the internship offer, reinforcing the importance of such programs in nurturing engineering talent. In addition to his contributions to DESCON, Mr. Dawood is a prominent figure in the engineering and business community of Pakistan. He has played a vital role in establishing DESCON as a leading engineering company in the country. Formerly, Mr. Dawood also served as the Minister of Commerce and Industries in the Government of Pakistan, further highlighting his significant contributions to the nation.
Mr. Dawood expressed his appreciation for PEC’s initiatives and emphasized the need for practical exposure to complement theoretical knowledge. He acknowledged the role of industry leaders, professional institutions, and regional engineering bodies in shaping the future of the engineering sector in Pakistan. His acceptance of the internship offer from PEC demonstrates his dedication to supporting young engineers and providing them with valuable learning opportunities within DESCON Engineering Limited.
The visit concluded with expressions of gratitude from the DESCON administration, extending their sincere appreciation to PEC, Engr. Mukhtar Sheikh, the National Engineers Association team, and the other distinguished guests for their support and engagement. The DESCON administration reiterated its commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainable development in the engineering industry. They acknowledged the value of partnerships between industry and professional institutions in fostering a culture of excellence and nurturing engineering talent.
The visit of PEC and National Engineers Association members under the leadership of Engr. Mukhtar Sheikh, to DESCON Engineering Limited’s head office in Lahore, marks a significant milestone in promoting engineering collaboration and nurturing talent. The comprehensive presentation of DESCON’s projects, the acceptance of the internship offer by Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood, and the mutual appreciation expressed during the visit all contribute to the growth and development of the engineering sector in Pakistan. These collaborative efforts pave the way for a stronger and more vibrant engineering community, equipped to tackle the challenges of the future and contribute to the nation’s progress.