IEEC 2026 Conference Kicks Off in Karachi, Focus on Innovation and Sustainable Future -

INDUSTRY-ACADEMIA

The 11th International Electrical Engineering Council Conference 2026 (IEEC 2026) commenced at the Convention Hall of the Institution of Engineers Pakistan (IEP), Karachi Centre on Thursday, drawing a large number of engineers, professionals, and engineering students.

The theme of this year’s conference, “Innovating Power & Intelligence for Shaping a Sustainable Future,” highlights the growing importance of advanced technologies in energy and engineering sectors.

Conference convenor Saad Ahmed Qazi briefed participants on the scale of engagement, revealing that over 20 universities and institutions submitted research papers, including contributions from international academia and industry in China, Malaysia, and Nigeria. The research areas covered power systems, artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and other emerging technologies.

Delivering the keynote address from industry, Danish Zahoor, CEO of Barqtron, emphasized the need to improve Pakistan’s power transmission and distribution systems. He noted that while the country has a generation capacity of around 44,000 MW, transmission and distribution constraints significantly limit effective utilization.

He stressed that future energy solutions lie in solar adoption and battery storage systems, urging researchers to focus on energy storage technologies. “Pakistan needs to develop its own battery storage systems,” he said, adding that improving the quality of power and reducing system losses are critical challenges.

Another keynote speaker, Jasrul Jamani, Associate Professor at the University of Technology Malaysia, highlighted the importance of linking academic research with industry needs.

Speaking at the event, Sohail Bashir, President of IEP, underscored the Malaysian model where professors actively engage with industry through their own companies. He emphasized the need for incentives, commercialization of university laboratories, and regulatory recognition of testing facilities to strengthen research outcomes in Pakistan.

He added that IEP serves as a vital platform for networking between industry and academia, offering training facilities and professional development opportunities for engineers.

Sohail Bashir also announced that IEP will host a world convention in November and celebrate International Engineering Day on March 4, 2027, in collaboration with UNESCO and the World Federation of Engineering Organizations, with participation expected from over 100 countries.

He further revealed that engineering organizations from Uganda and Sierra Leone have expressed interest in collaboration, indicating growing international engagement for Pakistani engineers.

The conference was also addressed by Muhammad Tufail, Vice Chancellor of NED University of Engineering and Technology, who highlighted the importance of such forums in promoting innovation and knowledge exchange. – ER News Desk