PAKISTAN
Vice Chairman (Sindh) of the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Engr. Mukhtiar Ahmed Shaikh, has written to the Registrar alleging that Chairman Engr. Waseem Nazir has repeatedly disregarded directives and decisions approved by the Governing Body. Despite Article 9A of the PEC Act granting the Management Committee (MC) the authority to oversee Secretariat operations, the Chairman is reportedly overstepping his mandate, overturning approved decisions, and acting beyond the powers outlined in the PEC Act and Byelaws.
Under the subject “Agenda Points for the 51st Meeting of PEC Governing Body Proposed by Vice Chairman (Sindh)”, the communication to the Council’s top officer states: “It is suggested that impeachment proceedings be initiated against the Chairman PEC for any illegal actions or decisions taken without the approval of the Governing Body. In this regard, the 51st Governing Body meeting should address this important matter. This will ensure accountability and reinforce proper governance within the PEC.”
Justifying his allegations against Engr. Waseem Nazir, the Vice Chairman cites specific provisions of the PEC Act. He notes that under Article 3A, “the general direction and administration of the Council and its affairs shall vest in the Governing Body (GB), which may exercise all powers and perform all acts and functions that may be exercised or performed by the Council.” Furthermore, Article 9 states that “the Governing Body shall be the principal executive authority of the Council for supervising and governing the affairs and functions assigned to the Council.”
He emphasizes that the Governing Body is the ultimate decision-making authority at the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), and that the Chairman’s powers are limited accordingly. No action, he argues, can be taken by the Chairman without prior approval from the GB.
Detailing the allegations against the Chairman, Engr. Shaikh writes: “The Chairman PEC has misused his authority by unlawfully approving the use of an 1800cc car with unlimited fuel for Engr. Mohammad Sohail, who is currently serving as Head of Department/Additional Registrar (PEC-20) in the Coordination Department at PEC Headquarters. This vehicle has reportedly been used without any logbook or proper recordkeeping, despite Engr. Sohail also receiving the Car Monetization allowance admissible to BPS-20 officers.”
He further alleges that Engr. Sohail has been assigned various personal tasks by the Chairman, for which he has claimed significant amounts of TA/DA (Traveling Allowance/Daily Allowance). Additionally, Engr. Shaikh states that Engr. Sohail was illegally promoted from Deputy Registrar (PEC-18) to Senior Deputy Registrar (PEC-19), and subsequently to Additional Registrar (PEC-20), without approval from any competent forum.
In light of these alleged irregularities, Engr. Shaikh strongly recommends that a thorough inquiry be initiated into both the promotions and the potential misuse of PEC property and funds. He suggests that a detailed report be presented to the Governing Body for further action and decision.
The agenda points further state: “As per Article 9 (para 5) of the PEC Act, the Governing Body is required to hold at least three meetings per year. Additionally, under Article 5, an Annual General Meeting (AGM) must be held to present the Annual Report, Audited Accounts, Annual Budget, Appointment of Auditors, and other relevant business items.”
However, it is noted with concern that only two Governing Body meetings were held last year, and the AGM was not conducted at all. In light of this, it is suggested that one of the missed Governing Body meetings from the previous year be scheduled in the current year.
Furthermore, it is proposed that a minimum of four Governing Body meetings, along with the AGM, be conducted this year in order to fully comply with the requirements of the PEC Act.
Engr. Mukhtiar Ahmed Shaikh, Vice Chairman (Sindh) and a Member of the PEC Management Committee and Governing Body, has proposed that these points be formally included in the agenda of the 51st PEC Governing Body meeting for deliberation and appropriate action. – Engineering Review Report
