Tampering with Indus River System Authority worries provinces

on 29/03/2024

Be it politics or the economy, mishandling of federal principles is doomed to cause harm to any federation. This fact has a proven history attached to it speaking loudly that the constitutional contracts agreed upon between federating units pave a smooth road to the development and prosperity of the federations.
But it seems as if we {in Pakistan} are ignorant of understanding the lessons that the nations around the world have drawn from their centuries-old history otherwise neither had Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif withdrawn the notification of the new Indus River System Authority (IRSA) chairman nor had IRSA itself stood by with the elements which attempted to change the federal character of the authority.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had to withdraw the notification of the new Chairman IRSA Zafar Mahmood after stiff resistance from Sindh. But mind it, the amendment to the IRSA Act is still intact.
Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah made a telephone call to the Prime Minister and conveyed to him a very strong message from the province, reportedly saying that the appointment of Chairman IRSA under the controversial amended IRSA Act by the caretaker government was not acceptable to the province.
A day earlier, Syed Naveed Qamar, former Minister for Water and Power, also spoke on a point of order in the National Assembly and raised concerns on the appointment of a retired bureaucrat as Chairman IRSA. “On the very first day, if we start encroaching upon the rights of the provinces then how do we function as a federation, he asked. It was the first illegal act of the present government to appoint the chairman hurriedly without bringing the law to the floor of the house, he said.
He lashed at the new government for hurriedly appointing the IRSA chairman without placing the ordinance on the floor of the house.
Just two months before the termination of the tenure of the caretaker government in Islamabad, the news appeared in a section of the press that the government was busy moving an ordinance aimed at amending the IRSA Act for handing it over to the federal government. Very few know how and when it started, the move went on despite severe reaction in the provinces, especially in Sindh. Even the sections of the caretaker Sindh cabinet opposed the move but it fell on deaf ears.
The new amendments that surfaced at last had three major rather unconstitutional alterations.
One, the federal government would appoint the chairman of the authority which otherwise has to be looked after by the Council of Common Interest (CCI). The new chairman would either be a serving or retired government servant of grade 21.
Two, the members {provincial representatives} of IRSA would select from among a vice chairman who otherwise as per the actual IRSA Act were taking turns holding the office of chairman.
Three, the chairman was empowered to seek the help of law enforcers to ensure the security of the installations. The enforcers include the army too.
The amendments in the IRSA Act were rejected by water experts and political circles who believed that the amendments would change the nature of the authority and centralize the system. It has also raised questions about the very water accord in place for the distribution of water resources between the provinces.
The political and social circles along with the engineering community in Sindh spoke against the appointment of the new Chairman IRSA without taking the province into confidence.
Also, this month the Sindh cabinet expressed reservations about the recent appointment of Zafar Mahmood whom the people in Sindh knew as a known advocate for the controversial Kalabagh Dam, as Chairman of the Indus Rivers System Authority (IRSA).
Mahmood has long been running a campaign for the construction of large storage dams, especially the Kala Bag Dam.
“The Sindh cabinet believes that the IRSA chairman should be selected from among the members of the provinces or the federal government. Appointing someone from outside would be a clear violation of the water accord,” said the Sindh cabinet in its first meeting chaired by Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah.
Zafar Mahmood, the newly appointed IRSA chairman, has been an outspoken supporter of Kalabagh Dam, dismissing the concerns of provinces like Sindh, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan. His appointment has raised objections, not only from the public but also from writers, civil society members, and even leaders within the ruling PPP.
“Zafar Mahmood has consistently rejected Sindh and smaller provinces’ concerns over the controversial dam, especially Kalabagh. How can one accept this appointment?” questioned PPP leader and former senator Sassi Palejo. PPP leaders in Sindh have vowed to approach the federal government to reconsider the decision.
After such a reaction, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif withdrew the notification of the new Chairman of IRSA Zafar Mahmood.
According to a letter written by Secretary to Prime Minister, Asad Rehman Gilani “the orders of the Prime Minister’s Office of March 12, 2024, for appointment of Zafar Mahmood, a retired BS-22 Federal Government Officer, as Chairman IRSA may be treated as withdrawn. Further necessary action shall be taken accordingly.”

Future of Education

on 04/03/2024

Education in Pakistan is undergoing transformation, with initiatives such as online learning gaining traction in alignment with the global market, projected to reach $350 billion by 2025. However, challenges like access and quality persist, highlighting the need for reforms to ensure Pakistani students can benefit from and contribute to the evolving global educational landscape. Here are key points about the changing landscape of education along with relevant numerical data:
Rise of Online Learning:
The global online education market is projected to reach $350 billion by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.23% from 2020 to 2025.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a significant surge in online learning adoption, with an estimated 1.6 billion learners affected worldwide.
Example of Coursera: Coursera is a leading online learning platform that offers courses, specializations, and degree programs from top universities and institutions worldwide. It has over 82 million registered learners and partners with over 200 universities and organizations globally.
Skills-Based Education:
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2020 projected a 41% increase in demand for critical thinking skills by 2025. According to LinkedIn’s Workplace Learning Report, 57% of Learning and Development (L&D) professionals prioritize skills-based hiring.
Example of P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School): P-TECH is a public-private partnership model that offers high school students a blend of traditional high school coursework and industry-aligned skill development. Students graduate with a high school diploma and an associate degree in a STEM field, providing them with valuable technical skills and a pathway to careers in technology.
Lifelong Learning:
A survey conducted by Pew Research Center found that 87% of workers believe it will be essential to get training and develop new skills throughout their work life. The need for continuous learning is underscored by the fact that by 2030, as many as 375 million workers globally may need to switch occupational categories due to automation and artificial intelligence.
Example of Singapore’s SkillsFuture Initiative: The SkillsFuture initiative in Singapore promotes lifelong learning and skills development among individuals of all ages. It provides subsidies and support for individuals to upgrade their skills, explore new careers, and stay relevant in a rapidly changing job market.
Technology Integration:
Worldwide spending on educational technology (EdTech) reached $102 billion in 2020. The adoption of learning management systems (LMS) by educational institutions has been steadily increasing, with the global LMS market expected to reach $29.9 billion by 2025.
Example of Estonia’s E-Estonia Initiative: Estonia has integrated technology extensively into its education system through initiatives like the e-Estonia project. This includes the use of digital platforms for administrative tasks, e-textbooks in schools, and e-learning resources, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to technology integration in education.
Global Collaboration and Cultural Exchange:
Since its inception in 2014, the Erasmus+ program in Europe has supported over 5 million people in higher education mobility. Virtual exchange programs have gained traction, facilitating global collaboration and cultural exchange among students from different parts of the world.
Example of eTwinning: eTwinning is a European Union program that promotes collaboration among schools in different countries through online projects, professional development opportunities, and teacher networking. It facilitates cultural exchange, language learning, and the development of digital literacy skills among students and educators.
Alternative Credentialing:
Alternative credentials, such as badges, certificates, and microcredentials, are gaining popularity. According to a report by HolonIQ, the global market for alternative credentials is estimated to be worth $13.8 billion.
Example of Mozilla Open Badges: Mozilla Open Badges is an open standard for digital badges that recognize and showcase individuals’ skills and achievements. It allows learners to earn badges from various sources and display them online, providing a flexible and portable way to demonstrate competencies to employers and educational institutions.
Equity and Access:
Despite progress, approximately 258 million children and youth worldwide were out of school prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to UNESCO. Issues of digital equity persist, with disparities in access to technology and internet connectivity affecting students’ ability to participate in online learning.
Example of One Laptop per Child (OLPC): The OLPC initiative aims to provide affordable laptops and digital resources to children in developing countries, bridging the digital divide and improving access to education. It has deployed millions of laptops worldwide, enabling students to access educational content, collaborate with peers, and develop digital literacy skills.
Pakistan can significantly enhance its education system by leveraging online learning, where the global market is projected to reach $350 billion by 2025. Prioritizing skills-based education can align with the 41% increase in demand for critical thinking skills by 2025. By fostering global collaboration, Pakistan can tap into initiatives like student exchange programs, benefiting from the engagement of over 82 million learners worldwide.

Sustainable Manufacturing: Engineering Processes for Reduced Environmental Impact

on 04/03/2024

A key component of contemporary engineering is sustainable manufacturing, which seeks to reduce the negative effects of industrial activities on the environment. When it comes to developing and putting into practice sustainable manufacturing techniques focusing on resource conservation, waste reduction, and general environmental stewardship, engineers are essential. This calls for an integrated approach to engineering procedures that takes into account every stage of the life cycle of the product, from the extraction of raw materials to their eventual disposal. The choice of raw materials is the first step towards the idea of sustainable manufacturing. Finding and using materials with a smaller environmental impact is the responsibility of engineers. This entails assessing the life cycle assessment (LCA) of materials in order to comprehend the environmental impact that they have, taking into account extraction, processing, transportation, and disposal at the end of the material’s life. One of the main goals of sustainable manufacturing is energy consumption optimization. By utilizing renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies, engineers look for creative ways to reduce the amount of energy used in manufacturing operations. In order to increase productivity and lower energy waste in manufacturing, this involves implementing sophisticated manufacturing technologies like automation and robotics. A key component of sustainable production is waste reduction. Lean manufacturing techniques are used by engineers to reduce material waste and energy usage in the production process. This entails streamlining the production process to cut out pointless procedures, make better use of available resources, and lessen the manufacturing industry’s total environmental impact. Reuse and recycling are essential elements of sustainable production. To provide things a second life cycle, engineers build techniques that make it easier to recycle materials and component parts. In order to reduce the requirement for fresh raw materials, this entails creating closed-loop systems where resources may be recovered, remanufactured, and reintegrated into the manufacturing process. Using the concepts of the circular economy is a smart move for sustainable production. Engineers take end-of-life considerations into account when designing goods, taking into account things like biodegradable materials, ease of disassembly, and recyclability. By doing this, items are guaranteed to add value to a closed-loop system, reducing waste and encouraging a regenerative manufacturing strategy. One of the most important factors in sustainable manufacturing is water conservation. Engineers work to limit the adverse ecological effects of industrial operations by designing processes that use the least amount of water possible and implementing water recycling technologies. This entails effective water management techniques, water treatment technology, and cooling system optimization.
Sustainable manufacturing techniques lower the amount of hazardous materials used and the amount of detrimental byproducts generated by incorporating the concepts of green chemistry. Assuring that manufacturing operations adhere to the values of security, wellness, and environmental responsibility, engineers create processes that emphasize the use of ecologically friendly chemicals. Engineers using sustainable manufacturing use life cycle assessment (LCA) as a critical tool. Through life cycle assessment (LCA), a product’s or process’s environmental impact can be thoroughly examined. With Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs), engineers can reduce their overall environmental impact by pinpointing opportunities for process optimization, making well-informed decisions, and improving their work. Engineers are always looking for new ways to innovate eco-friendly materials in sustainable production. This entails investigating and creating substitute materials that have a less carbon footprint, are biodegradable, or can be recycled in order to have a lower environmental impact. A more ecologically conscious approach to manufacturing benefits from the use of sustainable resources. Achieving manufacturing sustainability targets requires collaboration throughout the supply chain. Engineers and suppliers collaborate extensively to guarantee that raw materials are sourced ethically and meet sustainability standards. Working together, we are able to create best practices, certifications, and industry standards that support sustainability across the industrial ecosystem.
Making the switch to more ecologically friendly activities requires investing in sustainable manufacturing technologies. Engineers support and use cutting-edge technologies including digital manufacturing, intelligent manufacturing systems, and additive manufacturing (3D printing). These technologies improve accuracy, cut down on waste, and help make manufacturing processes more sustainable and efficient overall. Engineers are key players in determining how industrial practices will develop in the complicated and multidimensional subject of sustainable manufacturing. An approach to production that is more sustainable and conscientious is made possible by engineers, who include the concepts of resource productivity, decreased waste, and preservation of the environment into every phase of the manufacturing process. A mentality that is essential for the planet’s long-term health is promoted via sustainable manufacturing, which also tackles the present environmental issues.

Engr. Dr. Aneel Kumar to be conferred with National Engineering Excellence

on 04/03/2024

Engr. Dr. Aneel Kumar, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro will be conferred with the National Engineering Excellence Award by the Institution of Engineers Pakistan (IEP) on World Engineering Day.
The World Federation of Engineering Organization (WFEO) working under the aegis of UNESCO celebrates the UNESCO World Engineering Day (WED) on 4th March every year.
The Institution of Engineers Pakistan (IEP), being a constituent member of WFEO also celebrates World Engineering Day on 4th March every year in a befitting manner.
This year, IEP has decided to celebrate this Day on 4th March 2024 at 6:30 pm at Expo Centre, Johar Town, Lahore, and to award National Engineering Excellence Awards to distinguished Engineers who have contributed to the betterment of society in general and Engineering Profession in particular.n

Saleem Habib University organizes Intl Conference ‘Emerging Trends in Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology’

on 04/03/2024

The 1st International Conference on Emerging Trends in Biomedical Engineering, Science and Technology (ICETBEST 2024), organized by the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Salim Habib University concluded on February 29, 2024.
The second and final day of the conference, attended by dedicated delegates and participants from all over Pakistan as well as abroad included technical sessions, oral presentations, poster presentations, project demonstrations, keynote speeches, and hands-on workshops.
The conference was declared officially closed in a ceremony addressed by Vice Chancellor SHU and Conference Patron Prof. Dr. Shakeel Ahmed Khan and Conference Secretary Engr. Muhammad Shaheer Mirza.
Chief guest Engr. Muhammad Najeeb Haroon, Chairman of the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) also addressed the moot. Engr. Farooq Arbi, General Secretary of IEP Karachi Centre, and Mr. Masood Ahmad, Chairman of HDAP and CEO of Hospicare Systems also spoke at the ceremony.
At the end, shields, and certificates were distributed among delegates and recipients of the Best Poster, Best Paper, and Best Project awards.n