Who is Dr. Muhammad Bashir Lakhani?

Dr. Engineer Muhammad Bashir Lakhani is a distinguished Water Resources Expert in Pakistan, with a career spanning over three decades. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from NED University and advanced degrees in Water Resources Engineering from the University of Arizona, USA, where he earned his Master’s and Ph.D. During his post-graduate studies, Dr. Lakhani conducted research at the Southwest Watershed Research Center in Tucson, Arizona, focusing on high-efficiency irrigation systems for arid regions. Following his Ph.D., he pursued postdoctoral research at the University of Arizona, leading to his appointment as a faculty member. As an Assistant Professor, Dr. Lakhani honed his expertise before returning to Pakistan to fulfill his commitment to his homeland. With a rich academic and research background, Dr. Lakhani brings unparalleled expertise to Pakistan’s water resources sector, driving innovation and progress in the field. Over the last twenty years, he has played a pivotal role in the planning, design, and execution of numerous water sector projects, both nationwide and internationally. Under Dr. Lakhani’s esteemed leadership, a plethora of high-profile projects have been successfully executed, including: ✓ Water resources, irrigation, and agricultural development projects in Balochistan and KPK, which have significantly contributed to the regions’ economic growth and development. ✓ The Greater Karachi 100 MGD Water Supply Project, K-III, which was completed ahead of schedule and within budget. ✓ Pakistan’s inaugural off-shore pipelines for islands along Karachi, a pioneering feat in the country’s water supply infrastructure. Currently, Dr. Lakhani is spearheading the design and supervision teams for the 260 MGD Greater Karachi Water Supply Project K-IV, which has attained 46% completion. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Lakhani has contributed significantly to policy development and technical assistance in the water sector. He has served as a member of the PEC Think Tank on Water Resources Development, provided valuable input to the Federal Government for water sector development, and worked as Convener of the PEC Provincial Committee for “Assessment of Flood Damages” in Sindh Province after the 2022 flood disaster. Dr. Lakhani’s expertise and leadership have had a profound and lasting impact on Pakistan’s water resources management, and his ongoing work continues to shape the country’s water sector development. He is a strong advocate for the vital link between industry and academia, recognizing that collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential for driving innovation and economic growth in developing countries like Pakistan. In line with this belief, Dr. Lakhani has been dedicated to nurturing the next generation of water resources professionals. He has provided over a hundred internship opportunities to engineering students and fresh engineers, offering them hands-on exposure, practical experience, and skill enhancement. This mentorship has enabled them to develop professional competence in handling the latest techniques and technologies, preparing them to make valuable contributions to Pakistan’s water sector. Through his efforts, Dr. Lakhani is helping to build a more skilled and knowledgeable workforce, ultimately supporting the country’s economic growth and development.n