Need for Reforms in Pakistan Engineering Council

on 20/08/2024

There has been significant criticism and reservations from engineers regarding the role of PEC in addressing professional engineers’ issues in the past. However, the outgoing council, particularly Chairman Mr. Najeeb Haroon, has made notable contributions, including important steps to provide job opportunities for fresh engineering graduates through stipends and other initiatives. Additionally, efforts have been made to minimize corruption by introducing digital technology into daily operations. Nevertheless, there remains room for improvement.
Here are my suggestions for the new team to enhance the functioning of PEC through changes in the bylaws:
Representation of Young Engineers: Engineers aged up to 35 years should be given representation. This will foster a liaison between young and senior professional engineers, thereby increasing the participation and involvement of younger engineers.
Term Limits for Office Bearers: The terms for office bearers and Governing Body (GB) members should be limited to a maximum of two terms. The chairman and vice chairman should also be restricted to two terms; after this, they should be barred from participating in any forums or committees of PEC. This change will improve the functioning of regulatory bodies, reduce poor governance and corruption, and introduce new perspectives into PEC.
Representation from Academia: Academic representation should be limited to 25%. This will ensure a balanced perspective and prevent academic interests from dominating the council’s decisions.
Exclusion of Government Servants: Government servants should not be allowed to become office bearers. This will help maintain the impartiality of the regulatory body, ensure merit-based decisions, and discourage institutional influence. Government servants should focus on their primary duties as public servants.

Dr. Vali Uddin: A Strategic Planner and Expert Implementor

on 20/08/2024

Prof. Dr. Vali Uddin joined UIT University, Karachi as Vice Chancellor on 10 June 2024 after serving Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology as Vice Chancellor from 10 July 2019 to 30 May 2024.
Earlier, he worked with some of the prestigious national engineering organizations as Engineer and also taught at reputed universities at home and the USA. He has published/presented more than 75 research papers in International Research Journals and Conferences. With an excellent academic career, he did his Bachelors with First Class First Position; acquired government scholarship and went on to do his Masters and PhD in Engineering from the USA. He has vast working experience and knowledge about all tiers of University level academic and administrative positions. Under his stewardship as the Vice Chancellor, Sir Syed University underwent a process of culture change, academic reforms, and massive revitalization along with vast international linkages for collaboration in research and development while acquiring also funding from European Union. Consequently, Sir Syed University obtained consecutively Brand of the Year Award 2021, 2022 and 2023 from the Brands Foundation, the most credible recognition body for brands in Pakistan for the University, indicating university’s popularity, strong market standing, sound profile and the majority of the customers’ preference. Moreover, the World University Rankings for Innovation (WURI) placed at 48th of Top 100 among the World University Rankings for Innovation in the category of Student Mobility and Openness.
As Vice Chancellor of Sir Syed University, Dr. Vali Uddin was earlier honored at the Academic Award Forum with the “Leadership and Management Award” in September 2022. For his persistent commitment to quality education in engineering and meritorious outstanding contribution in the higher education sector in the national interest, Prof. Dr. Vali Uddin was decorated with Gold Medal by the Honorable Mohammad Kamran Khan Tessori, the Governor of Sindh in October 2023.
Dr. Vali has a vast experience of Strategic Planning and Implementation, Academic, Financial & Human Resource Planning of Large University and has working experience and knowledge of all tiers of University level positions (Academic and Administrative).
He has 25+ years’ experience of Heading Faculty and Departments as well as Post-PhD Research and Teaching experience along with supervising research at Graduate and Doctorate level.
Apart from teaching, Dr. Vali has extensive experience of curriculum development of Bachelor, Masters and Doctorate level in Engineering and Information Technology. He has also experience of policy and procedure development related to academics and academic administration as well as experience of development and implementation of Campus Management System. He is well versed with the requirement of HEC and different regulatory bodies (PEC, PMDC, PBC, PCP, NCEAC, NACTE etc.) as well as higher education system of Pakistan and the USA.

Who is Dr. Muhammad Bashir Lakhani?

on 20/08/2024

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

Engr. Imtiaz Hussain Shah Activist for Engineers’ Rights since 30 years

on 20/08/2024

Engr. Imtiaz Hussain Shah is a highly accomplished engineer with over 37 years of experience in the engineering field. Holding a BSc. degree in Civil from UET Lahore (Taxila Campus), he has made significant contributions to Civil and Consulting Engineering. His expertise spans across Consulting & Construction field, making him a versatile and skilled professional in the engineering community.
Engr. Imtiaz Hussain Shah has led and successfully completed numerous high-profile and mega projects in the sectors of Water, Power & Infrastructure.
With a proven track record of leadership, he has held top leading and key positions such as President Pakistan Engineers Forum, Member Governing Body Pakistan Engineering Council (Various Tenures) where he demonstrated exceptional management and strategic planning skills.
He is an active member of various professional bodies including Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Institute of Engineers Pakistan (IEP), Association of Consulting Engineers Pakistan (ACEP)
Engr. Imtiaz Hussain Shah is committed to enhancing the role of PEC in the professional development of engineers across Pakistan and in particular young engineers and fresh graduates.
Ensuring that engineering education and training programs are aligned with international standards to produce competent and skilled engineers.
Advocating for continuous professional development opportunities, including workshops, seminars, and certifications to keep engineers updated with the latest industry trends and technologies.
Promoting research and innovation by supporting engineering projects and providing funding and resources to engineers and researchers.
Strengthening the collaboration between academia and industry to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism within the engineering community to build a reputable and trustworthy profession.
His commitment to excellence and professional development makes him an ideal candidate for the PEC Elections 2024.

Engr. Al Kazim Mansoor A visionary civil engineer with over 30 years of experience

on 20/08/2024

Engr. Al Kazim Mansoor Graduated from NED University of Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering in 1983. Obtained MS in Civil Engineering specializing in Geotechnical Engineering from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge LA, USA in 1985. Also attended University of Washington in Seattle for graduate courses in Geotechnical Engineering.
Returned to Pakistan in 1986 and established leading geotechnical consultancy of the country by the name of firm M/s Soilmat Engineers in 1992. Executed Geotechnical Investigation and Foundation Designs for many projects of national importance such as Kohat Tunnel, Gwadar Port. LNG Terminal at Port Qasim, Oil Terminal at KPT, Indus Highway, Karakuram Highway, Reko Diq Copper & Gold project. 78 storied KPT Towers Emaar Towers and more than 2000 projects of various natures in Pakistan and aboard.
Engr. Al Kazim Mansoor has been very active in engineer’s issues and was elected as its first Senior Vice Chairman in elections held in 2011. However, he was later denied his rightful position through several court cases. He has been elected numerous times as member of central council of Institute of Engineering and currently serving as its Vice Chairmen (Civil) Karachi Center. He has delivered many lectures and presented papers at national and international conferences and recently been awarded “Life Time Achievement Award” for the services rendered in the field of Geotechnical Engineering in Pakistan over the last 35 years.
Engr. Al Kazim Mansoor is a candidate for Chairman, Pakistan Engineering Council he brings with him decades of public service and professional excellence. For the last five years he is severing as President of Pakistan Engineers Forum, an NGO serving the engineers of Pakistan and has membership of thousands of engineers all over Pakistan.