At the prestigious ASHRAE Annual Conference held in Phoenix, USA, Engr. Muhammad Abbas Sajid, a veteran of the HVACR industry and one of Pakistan’s most respected engineering leaders, was honored with the 2025 ASHRAE Distinguished Service Award.
The award was presented by Dennis Knight, P.E., ASHRAE President for 2024–2025, recognizing his exceptional and sustained service to the Society and the global HVACR profession.
This moment marks a significant milestone not only in his illustrious career but also for Pakistan’s growing presence within the global ASHRAE community.
From Journal Club to National Chapter: The ASHRAE Pakistan Story
Two decades ago, when ASHRAE had little formal presence in the country, it was Engr. Abbas Sajid, who promoted a bold idea initiated by the founding President of the ASHRAE Pakistan Chapter, Mr. Ainul Abedin—the formation of a local ASHRAE Journal Club in Karachi. The objective was simple yet visionary: to promote technical reading, dialogue, and professional growth through monthly discussions of selected ASHRAE Journal articles.
What began as an informal gathering of professionals soon evolved into a structured knowledge-sharing platform. The Journal Club drew engineers, students, consultants, and academics alike, laying the groundwork for deeper engagement with ASHRAE’s mission.
The ASHRAE Pakistan Chapter was officially established in 2003. He proudly holds the distinction of being a founding member and later served as the President of the Chapter, setting high benchmarks for technical programming, student outreach, and professional development.
A Career Rooted in Service and Leadership
Today, Engr. Abbas Sajid serves as the Chair of the Nominating Committee for ASHRAE’s Region-at-Large (RAL), continuing to influence leadership selection across more than 30 countries. His previous roles within the Society include:
• Past President – ASHRAE Pakistan Chapter
• Sub Regional Chair for ASHRAE Region at Large
• General Chair – ASHRAE RAL CRC 2024, Karachi
Under his leadership, Pakistan successfully hosted the 2024 RAL CRC, welcoming over 150 delegates from across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa—a defining moment in the chapter’s history.
Wider Industry Impact
Engr. Sajid’s leadership transcends ASHRAE. He has held several key positions in national professional organizations:
• Past President – Pakistan HVACR Society
• General Secretary – CNG Association of Pakistan
• General Secretary – Renewable Energy Association of Pakistan (REAP)
• Fellow and Council Member – Institution of Engineers Pakistan (IEP)
• Founding Secretary General – NEDIAN (NED International Alumni Network Association)
• Member Senate – NED University of Engineering & Tech.
He has continually advocated for local capacity building, policy reform, energy efficiency, and technical education.
An Entrepreneurial Force
He is the CEO of Engineering Services, a leading HVACR design and contracting firm, and also heads Radscribe, a company specializing in medical training and automation solutions. His entrepreneurial ventures have significantly contributed to Pakistan’s engineering landscape, delivering innovative services to both the public and private sectors.
A proud alumnus of NED University of Engineering & Technology, Engr. Sajid maintains close ties with academia. In 2024, the university honored him by dedicating a boardroom in the Mechanical Engineering Department in recognition of his lifetime contributions to engineering and education.
The Phoenix Moment
The Distinguished Service Award ceremony at ASHRAE’s Phoenix Conference in June 2025 symbolized international recognition of his decades of dedication to the built environment. Speaking after receiving the award, Engr. Sajid remarked:
“This award is not mine alone—it is shared with every professional in Pakistan who believed in knowledge, collaboration, and global standards. Our journey from a Journal Club to a recognized ASHRAE Chapter reflects the power of vision and collective will.”
A Lasting Legacy
Few individuals can claim to have laid the foundation of a global institution’s presence in their country. Fewer still can match it with consistent service, leadership, and mentorship over decades. Engr. Muhammad Abbas Sajid’s contributions to ASHRAE, HVACR, and engineering education exemplify a rare blend of humility, purpose, and strategic foresight.
As the engineering community in Pakistan continues to grow and align with global sustainability goals, his work remains a cornerstone—an inspiration for those who believe in the long game of service and legacy. – Phoenix, AZ — June 2025
