CEO, SEM Engineers says in an interview with Engineering Review: we should not only look to the government for solutions; we should look at ourselves as well
Pakistan’s economy, and its direction
I have been in this field for over 40 years and have witnessed both good and bad times. My first project was with the Karachi Development Authority (KDA). There were very good people managing the institutions and the economy back then. However, degeneration started at all levels, and this continues to this day. We do not know when or where it will end.
Policymaking in Pakistan
As far as the country’s policies are concerned, it all depends on the policymakers and their level of discipline. We cannot develop our country unless we create policies that regulate business and commerce. We must understand how to conduct business activities and how to manage them systematically. We talk about manufacturing goods in Pakistan, but if you look at the standard of the products we produce, it is concerning. Who will trust locally made products if people consistently receive low-quality items? There exists a trust gap, and there is a background to this issue. Local manufacturers often focus solely on competing on price and ignore the importance of quality. For example, many manufacturing companies that make pipes produce substandard products.
Governments should regulate the industry to ensure quality standards are met, or things will never change.
How the Decline in Quality Started
I have witnessed both General Ayub Khan’s and Z.A. Bhutto’s administrations. During those days, there were the so-called “22 families,” and they were all patriotic. They produced goods out of their love for Pakistan. These individuals took education seriously and wanted our children to receive a proper education. What happened later? Everything was privatized, and it damaged everything; no one considered the potential outcomes.
Economic Revival
I believe we should not only look to the government for solutions; we should look at ourselves as well. We must think like Pakistanis and love our country. We should appreciate those among our fellow countrymen who demonstrate capabilities and contribute positively to the nation. Loving our country is equivalent to loving ourselves, as we are all from this land.
Middle Eastern Boom and Exports
We must export our products, but we should be mindful that if any substandard product is exported, it will harm our reputation. Importers have many choices and don’t always test your products. We should never do anything that tarnishes our credibility. Our companies may want to work abroad, but it’s not always easy. The successful companies abroad have efficient systems in place, and we must be part of that system.
ACEP and PEC Role
Companies must take the initiative themselves and get registered with relevant bodies. Unfortunately, the reputation of our country is not strong, and people abroad find it hard to place trust in Pakistanis. First, we need to regain trust by taking on small projects, and once we prove ourselves, we can move on to larger ones.
Safety and Investment
We are working on several projects, and more are coming, by the grace of God. We expect things to improve, but government policies need to be revised. One of the biggest issues is that investors do not feel safe here. Many businessmen from Karachi have invested their money in Dubai and elsewhere in the Middle East.
About SEM Engineers
I founded my company in 1983 with the objective of contributing to the improvement of this country. I completed my MS in the U.S. and returned to Pakistan. We began working on projects using scientific calculations that demonstrated our designs were both efficient and economical. By the grace of God, we have completed many successful projects, and it has changed my life. I learned here how my honesty paid off because it is a rare commodity, and it holds value.
Future Plans
Our goal is to serve the country. We prefer to undertake projects that enhance our credibility and bring distinction. We take ownership of our projects because we have completed them with honesty, and we will continue to do so. We are also exploring opportunities abroad.
— Mohammad Salahuddin
