NESPAK Ranked on US-Based ENR Magazine Top Global Firms list

on 25/10/2023

NESPAK, under the leadership of Acting Managing Director Zargham Eshaq Khan, has been ranked for the fifth consecutive year on ENR (Engineering News-Record) Magazine Top International/Global Construction Management/Program Management Firms list, published as part of the ENR Top International/Global Contractors feature in the August 2023 issue of ENR, a US-based ranking magazine.
The ranking has been published in the latest issue of the magazine and NESPAK has been ranked 19 this year among the top 20 Non-US firms in total global construction management and program management.
NESPAK was envisioned by its founders as an organisation free from foreign dependence and capable of delivering the highest quality in the field of engineering consultancy. It was envisaged as an institution which had to lead the consultancy market of Pakistan and compete abroad with excellence. Time has proved that NESPAK has succeeded in fulfilling its objectives to a large extent owing to the unprecedented struggle offered by its professional brigade who left no stone unturned to achieve their stated aims. At present, NESPAK is not only playing a lead role in the consultancy services for the construction of two mega hydropower projects i.e., Mohmand Dam and Diamer Basha Dam Projects. Till to date, NESPAK has provided consultancy services in 39 countries and has proved itself as an international player in the engineering consultancy world.

TEP warns against withdrawal of electric units for power sector engineers Engr. Jawed Salim Qureshi holds TEP Core Committee moot, Engr Amir Zamir to monitor govt move

on 25/10/2023

The Engineers Pakistan, led by the former chairman, Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) Engr. Jawed Salim Qureshi has warned against any move to withdraw limited electric units allowed to the power sector engineers in Pakistan.
TEP which held its Core Committee meeting this month said a limited supply of electricity units is a part of the salary package attached to the appointment of engineers.
The meeting which was held in Lahore had on its agenda the current issues faced by power sector engineers.
Core Committee affirmed the full support and unity of engineers working with WAPDA, NTDC, and DISCOs, public sector organizations, semi-government organizations, autonomous bodies, private sector industry, and academia.
They emphasized that the limited supply of electricity units is a part of the salary package of engineers. It’s not a facility or allowance which can be withdrawn at any time.
The attempt to withdraw these electricity units will be a breach of the appointment letter which will be resisted by engineers across Pakistan.
They urged the government to withdraw the following taxes from the electricity bills of consumers which will give them relief by 28 percent and ask respective departments to collect it from the consumers directly if it is required. They include I-Tax, TV Fee, GS-Tax and FC-SUR.
Also, the meeting demanded the engineers be given 1.5 times technical allowance of their basic salary so that they meet the hardships and inflation.
The government should ask all Deputy Commissioners and SSPs to take strict action against the theft of electricity. It can further reduce the electricity bill of consumers by 10 percent, increasing total relief by 38 percent to consumers.
The moot warned that the government should avoid taking any such decision that is illegal and against the service rules of Pakistan, failing to which, engineers hold the right to go for complete shutdown on all engineering sectors.
A committee has been formed to work out a strategy to protect the interests of WAPDA, DISCO & NTDC engineers.
Engr Amir Zamir was appointed as Convener of the committee by Chairman TEP to look after all the issues of power engineers. — Engr Malik Saleem Ullah Saeed, SG, TEP.

IEP’s 11th OHSE proves to a success by all accounts Building Code be adopted at all levels to control emergencies

on 25/10/2023

The 11th Occupational Health, Safety & Environment (OHSE) organized by the Institution of Engineers (IEP), Karachi Chapter proved to be a success by all counts—the level of interest and participation and also the overall quality of the papers presented and talks given in the conference.
The moot was graced by Engr. Najeeb Haroon, Chairman of Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) as the chief guest, and Willian P. Bahnfleth, Professor of Architectural Engineering
from Pennsylvania State University as the keynote speaker.
The conference had three technical sessions followed by a panel discussion.
The conference framed the following recommendations.
The Building Code of Pakistan be adopted at all levels to control any fire or other such emergency situations
Training on OHSE be included in the curriculums at least at the secondary school level.
National Health, Safety & Environment Policy be formulated
Occupation Health, Safety, and Environment Standards, code of practices, and guidelines be formulated in accordance with local OHS Laws.
Both Print and Electronic Media be requested to allocate a compulsory timeslot for OSH to bring awareness among the general public, and concerned stakeholders
Advisory Council having representation from all stakeholders be established at the federal, provincial & local levels, and NGOs, like IEP be made part of such forums
OSH authorities at the federal as well as provincial levels be established.
Environmental social management system be adopted
IEP should establish a separate desk for the promotion of OHSE. Other than seminars, workshops, and conferences, social visits may also be arranged
Pakistan Engineering Council may establish a comprehensive data bank regarding OHSE and record accidents also
Pakistan Medical and Dental Council or College of Physicians and Surgeons of Pakistan be asked to start specialized courses on Occupational Diseases that are very common in the Pakistani Work Environment
Emphasis should be placed on workers’ training besides management representatives.

Pakistan Cable Lunches the Highestest voltage (69kv) CCV line for MV cables in Pakistan

on 25/10/2023

Pakistan Cables launched the nation’s first highest voltage (69KV) CCV line for Medium Voltage (MV) cables through world class German technology. As the pioneer in the wires and cables industry in Pakistan, the company has a legacy of breaking barriers. In addition, Pakistan Cables has also set up a High Voltage Testing (HVT) facility at Nooriabad, which enables testing of cables at higher voltage grades.
“This is a significant milestone for the Company during its 70th year anniversary. It reflects 70 years of uncompromised dedication and setting Industry benchmarks. I am thrilled at the outcome and proud of our team, who drove the project with a lot of hard work.”, said Fahd K. Chinoy, Chief Executive Officer Pakistan Cables Ltd.
About Pakistan Cables Ltd
About Pakistan Cables Ltd. Founded in 1953, Pakistan Cables is the premiere and most reputable cable manufacturer in Pakistan. Being the only wire and cable manufacturer listed on the PSX since 1955, it is also a member company of the Amir S. Chinoy group. The company has the largest geographical footprint in Pakistan with presence in over 200 cities. It is ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and OHSAS 18001:2007 certified and various cables type tested by KEMA, Netherlands.

Energy trade mechanisms, grid must for regional energy security

on 25/10/2023

Energy experts in a moot in Pakistan said that regional energy security can be achieved by building regional energy trade mechanisms and grid by increasing the share of renewable energy to provide it on affordable rates to the consumers.
Addressing an event titled “Energy Security in South Asia and Transition of Sustainable Sources” organized by Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom Pakistan (FNF), Director Pakistan Office FNF, Birgit Lamm remarked that 60 percent of South Asia’s energy demand was imported, increasing vulnerability to external shocks like Russian-Ukrainian War and dollar exchange rate fluctuations.
She said that energy was a lifeline for South Asian economies and the issue of high energy bills was a shared regional concern and not limited to Pakistan, adding that structural challenges in the regional energy landscape and combined with demographic shifts hampered sustainable economic growth.
Senior Advisor and Research Fellow SDPI, Dr Hassan Daud Butt said that regional energy challenges were common and collaborative, integrated approach for sustainable, equitable renewable energy transition was the way forward amid rising costs and socio-economic disparities which calls for amplifying efforts for regionally acceptable solutions.
He stressed for bolstering regional co-operation beyond political conflicts, making responsive energy policies to tackle evolving economic challenges and global trends as means to uplift marginalized and vulnerable communities and ensuring inclusive access to clean energy in South Asia.
Head of Energy Unit, SDPI, Ubaid-ur-Rehman said that reliance on imported energy sources had created vulnerability to energy supplies and price fluctuations for South Asian countries, as apparent from the impacts of the ongoing regional turmoil.
Research Fellow (Renewable Energy), Ahsan Javed highlighted the untapped regional energy trade potential which must be leveraged to boost energy security through regional grid. Regional trade of surplus electricity can also increase revenue generation for economic growth, he stressed.
Lead Researcher, Energy Unit, SDPI Dr. Khalid Waleed discussed the energy profiles of South Asian countries and charted the way forward for energy cooperation by overcoming political-economic barriers, removing tariffs, promoting energy networks, exploring joint financing avenues, joint platform for energy planners and sharing energy and water statistics.