Meet the personality: IEEEP Hyderabad comes up with a new program

on 09/01/2023

IEEEP Local Centre Hyderabad organized “Meet The Personality Program” in Mehran University Jamshoro Senate Hall with Engr. Prof. Dr. Suhail Aftab Qureshi President, IEEEP, traveled from Lahore as the Chief Guest. Engr. Prof. Dr. MA Uqaili Chairman, IEEEP Local Centre presided over the meeting.
Engr. Prof. Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan Rajput Ex Vice Chancellor Mehran University and Engr. Asif Siddiqui Ex-Chairman KLC were the two celebrities of the profession who were invited to participate in the launching of the inaugural session of the new event introduced by IEEEP Local Centre under the title “Meet The Personality”. Engr. GR Bhatti Vice President of South IEEEP and several other eminent engineers from Karachi, Hyderabad, and other parts of Sindh participated in the event, the first of its kind initiated by IEEEP.
A volunteer Fatima Nayab recited from Holy Quran and later offered prayers for the flood victims and early rehabilitation of the affected people. Condolence reference was held in memory of late engineers Engr. STH Naqvi Former President IEEEP and Engr. Moosa Mir Bahar CEO (R) SEPCO and Fatiha were offered for the departed souls.
The house was informed that after the meeting continuous efforts have been made by the local center on the Membership Campaign, an Appeal for the donation of a book for its library, and also an Appeal for tree plantation in the last three months. The house was informed that a new innovative program under the title “Meet the Personality” is being launched which is the first ever of its kind being introduced by IEEEP where the country’s most celebrated engineers will be invited to interact with members of the institutions and to share their valuable views, particularly for the benefit of the younger generation. In this context, to start with we have invited Honorable Prof. Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan Rajput Former VC MUET, and Honorable Engr. Asif Siddiqui Ex-Chairman IEEEP KLC. Engr. Prof. Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan Rajput is a Ph.D. from the USA and MSC in Electrical Engineering from the UK. He is also a former Chairman of the Charter of Inspection and Evolution Committee Govt of Sindh.
Engr. Asif Siddiqui is a former chairman of IEEEP KLC graduated in Electrical Engineering from Aligarh Muslim University in 1969 and later did his MSC from Oklahoma State University Stillwater USA in 1976. He served KESC and later established his own company General Electro Mecanique (Pvt) Ltd and currently is MD of Sigma Ventures he is actively associated with Rotary Club Karachi.
Another event of great significance in the proceedings was to pay glowing tribute and congratulations to Engr. Prof. Dr. Bs Chowdhry on being conferred the highest Civil Award of Sitara-i- Imtiaz by GOP, which is a matter of great pride and honor for the IEEEP, IEEEP Local Centre, and Mehran University.
Engr. Prof. Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan Rajput addressed the engineers, faculty members of MUET, and members of IEEEP. He recalled a long cherished history as to how the Mehran university starting from scratch has now become one of the leading engineering universities in the country and has attained a significant ranking and is now well known the world over. He informed that initially, he had started his career at WAPDA but soon later joined the then Sindh University Engineering College Jamshoro. He worked with great passion and enthusiasm with the help of his colleagues the team develop the institution to its present status. He particularly appreciated and mentioned the services rendered by Engr. Prof. Dr. MA Uqaili and Engr. Prof. Dr. BS Chowdhry in this regard. He also acknowledged the patronage of Engr. Prof. Dr. SM Qureshi, Engr. Prof. Dr. Abdul Qudus Alvi and Engr. Prof. Dr. Abdul Ahad Abro and others. He also recalled the memorable visit of Former President of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf in 2003. He stated that the university made long sustained efforts in succeeding to gain scholarships for its teachers and students abroad. He congratulated the institution to initiate such a meaningful program where the most experienced engineers can interact with members of the institutions and share their lifelong experiences. His speech was applauded and was given standing ovation.
Engr. Asif Siddiqui expressed that he had made his career with long sustained struggle and without any financial support he managed to seek his postgraduation from the USA by doing small jobs to meet the expenses. Despite all the difficulty he faced he succeeded to complete his masters and returned to Pakistan. He had left KESC services and started his own business house by establishing a firm named General Electro Mechanic (Pvt) Ltd which over the years was one of the most successful construction companies in the field. Currently, he is the MD of Sigma Ventures. He remains associated with IEEEP since 1994 and was a Chairman of KLC from 2014- 2017. He advised young engineers to learn and work on entrepreneurship and serve the profession. He believed that IEEEP is a great forum that can serve the cause of professional engineers effectively and he stated that I fully support the endeavors undertaken by IEEEP and particularly KLC and HLC. His speech was applauded and given standing ovation.
Engr. Prof. Dr. M.A Uquaili Chairman of IEEEP Local Centre In his presidential address welcomed the participants and thanked Engr. Prof. Dr. Suhail Aftab Qureshi President IEEEP to grace the occasion as Chief Guest.
Engr. Prof. Dr. MA Uqaili paid rich tributes to Engr. Prof. Dr. Abdul Qadeer Khan Rajput former VC MUET. He expressed that such a short time is not enough to eulogize the feats and deeds of the legend. He also praised Engr. Asif Siddiqui for his remarkable services for IEEEP KLC. He thanked both the celebrities to accept the Local Centre’s invitation to participate in the inaugural event of “Meet the Personality Program”. He also congratulated Engr. Prof. Dr. Bs Chowdhry on being conferred the Civil award of Sitara-I-Imtiaz by GoP.
He informed that Dr. Bhawani is a 3rd recipient in Mehran University who has been conferred with the prestigious award.
Engr. Dr. Prof. Suhail Aftab Qureshi President of IEEEP in his speech lauded the efforts of Engr. Prof. Dr. M A Uqaili, Engr. Prof. Dr. BS Chowdhry and Engr. Prof. Dr. Abdul Sattar Larik in their noble campaign to raise the level of Local Centre to reach a formidable position. He offered his sincere sorrow and grief for the flood victims and he also offered institutions services and contributions for the flood affectees
He expressed that It is indeed a great honor for him to be invited to participate in the inaugural Meet The Personality Program, which is the first ever to be launched by an IEEEP Local center which is a unique opportunity to invite the celebrated professional engineers of the country to interact with the community particularly with our younger generation.
It is hoped that this new program will promote the cause of IEEEP and will be emulated by other centres as well. He said that Engr. Prof. Dr. Abdul Qadeer Rajput is a well known personality who has immensely contributed to the noble cause of engineering education over a long period of time. His remarkable achievements for Mehran University are worth great acknowledgment. We are grateful today he has spared his precious time for the institution. I am told that he is one of the pioneers of the Establishment of the IEEEP local center in Hyderabad way back in 1992, which is another landmark.
About Engr. Asif Siddiqui, he stated that he is a legendary personality who has served IEEEP Karachi Centre over a long period of time. He remained Chairman of IEEEP Karachi Centre and successfully organized a series of symposiums and Seminars over the past many many years. I am grateful today he has spared his precious time to participate in the new innovative IEEEP Program. I wish that he continues to guide, help and support IEEEP Local Centre Hyderabad with his vast experience and resources. Regarding Engr. Prof. Dr. Bs Chowdhry he expressed that On behalf of the IEEEP Central Council and my own I sincerely wish to congratulate Engr. Prof. Dr. B.S. Chowdhry on conferring Prestigious Civil Award of Sitara-I-Imtiaz which is a matter of great honor and pride for the institution and pray for his continued success. The legend is a great inspiration for the community of engineers.
He congratulated the Chairman and other office bearers of the IEEEP local center for their continued efforts to serve the noble cause of the institution. – PR

WB to support initiaves for farmers, Karachi’s damaged road network, drainage

on 09/01/2023

The World Bank will provide US$323 million to the Sindh government for farmers in Sindh who have been affected as a result of the devastion caused by the floods in the province.
Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, in a meeting with World Bank’s Country Director Najy Benhassine, said that he has prepared a scheme worth Rs30 billion to provide subsidies in the heads of fertilizer and certified seed.
“We have to revive our flooded agro-industry by giving them some incentives,” he said, adding that farmers were not in a position to purchase certified seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs.
To kick-start the project, a special unit would be established under the chief secretary.
During the meeting, CM Murad said that he has already deputed teams to clear water from the flooded towns and villages.
“The dewatering process is in progress and hopefully within one and half months water would be evacuated,” he said, adding that construction of houses will begin once water is disposed of.
CM Murad added ahead of the arrival of the winter season, housing arrangements would be required for the people impacted by floods and urged the world bank to finance the housing project.
Following thorough discussions and deliberations, the chief minister and World Bank’s Benhassine decided to launch the project.
The provincial chief secretary would be the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the unit with the support of the public and private sector, after which construction of the houses will start. A survey to assess requirements for the housing project is currently underway.
Another project to repair Karachi’s damaged road network and drainage system will also be undertaken for which CM Murad proposed receiving an Rs13 billion investment; however, the World Bank has committed Rs6 billion, while the remaining amount of Rs7 billion will be arranged by Sindh government from other sources.
To overhaul the sewerage system, the Sindh government has also worked out an Rs25 billion scheme, which the World Bank agreed to finance through the Karachi Water and Sewerage Services Improvement Project (KWSSIP) project.
During the meeting, CM Murad also deliberated on the project of reconstructing the Jam Sadiq Bridge or a parallel bridge. Both the World Bank and the provincial government’s teams agreed to discuss the project in a meeting scheduled to be held next week. — ERMD

‘Tech development must for prosperity of Pakistan’ GOC Hyderabad Major General Dilawar Khan visits NCRA-CMS Lab MUET, water center

on 09/01/2023

GOC Hyderabad, Major General Dilawar Khan visited the National Center for Robotics and Automation-Condition Monitoring Systems (NCRA-CMS) Lab established at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology.
He was welcomed and received by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Tauha Hussain Ali, Former Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Aslam Uqaili, Co-Principal investigator NCRA CMS Prof. Dr. Tanweer Hussain Phulpoto, and Business Development Manager/Lecturer and President QS World Merit Pakistan Engr. Muhammad Zakir Shaikh of Mehran University.
He was briefed about NCRA-CMS Lab contributions toward bringing modernization into the Railway Sector of Pakistan by developing indigenous solutions for reducing the risks of accidents and saving human lives.
Also, Major General Dilawar Khan was presented and briefed about various products developed indigenously.
He appreciated and applauded the efforts of the NCRA-CMS Team at Mehran University and stressed that every individual should contribute towards the progress and prosperity of the motherland to the best of their abilities.
GOC Hyderabad also visited the US Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water (USPCAS-W) where he was briefed about activities regarding solving water issues in Pakistan.
He interacted with students and faculty members at USPCAS-W Auditorium where He expressed his deepest sorrow for flood affected region and talked about flood relief activities being undertaken by Pakistan Army.
In his brief talk, he expressed his thoughts on professionalism, character development, and most of all, having compassion for the people around.
He emphasized technological development and its need for the progress and prosperity of our nation. “Seeing is believing and I believe I am looking at the future of our country and it’s very bright” He added.
He also honored students by answering the questions and emphasized that high self-esteem and belief in one’s self is the way to tackle every hurdle in life.
All the participants were highly inspired and very much motivated by the speech of GOC Hyderabad Major General Dilawar Khan.

Tech development must for prosperity of Pakistan’ GOC Hyderabad Major General Dilawar Khan visits NCRA-CMS Lab MUET water cennnter

on 09/01/2023

GOC Hyderabad, Major General Dilawar Khan visited the National Center for Robotics and Automation-Condition Monitoring Systems (NCRA-CMS) Lab established at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology.
He was welcomed and received by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Tauha Hussain Ali, Former Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Aslam Uqaili, Co-Principal investigator NCRA CMS Prof. Dr. Tanweer Hussain Phulpoto, and Business Development Manager/Lecturer and President QS World Merit Pakistan Engr. Muhammad Zakir Shaikh of Mehran University.
He was briefed about NCRA-CMS Lab contributions toward bringing modernization into the Railway Sector of Pakistan by developing indigenous solutions for reducing the risks of accidents and saving human lives.
Also, Major General Dilawar Khan was presented and briefed about various products developed indigenously.
He appreciated and applauded the efforts of the NCRA-CMS Team at Mehran University and stressed that every individual should contribute towards the progress and prosperity of the motherland to the best of their abilities.
GOC Hyderabad also visited the US Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water (USPCAS-W) where he was briefed about activities regarding solving water issues in Pakistan.
He interacted with students and faculty members at USPCAS-W Auditorium where He expressed his deepest sorrow for flood affected region and talked about flood relief activities being undertaken by Pakistan Army.
In his brief talk, he expressed his thoughts on professionalism, character development, and most of all, having compassion for the people around.
He emphasized technological development and its need for the progress and prosperity of our nation. “Seeing is believing and I believe I am looking at the future of our country and it’s very bright” He added.
He also honored students by answering the questions and emphasized that high self-esteem and belief in one’s self is the way to tackle every hurdle in life.
All the participants were highly inspired and very much motivated by the speech of GOC Hyderabad Major General Dilawar Khan.

Why monsoon 2022 devastated Pakistan
PEC takes engineering with horns, recommends integrated plan
Top engineers resolve to shoulder authorities in
rebuilding effort, corrective measures

on 09/01/2023

Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC)’s brainstorming session chaired by Chairman Engr. Najeeb Haroon has recommended making a comprehensive integrated plan keeping in view climate change, its impacts on Pakistan, and also the nation’s past flood experiences in the country.
The sitting held at the council’s headquarters in Islamabad had a comprehensive attendance of engineers both from civilian and military sides and also it touched each and every aspect of the devastation caused by monsoon rains in Pakistan this year.
Also, the brainstorming session manifested the willingness of the council to play its part as the largest body of engineers in Pakistan and to offer its engineering expertise to the federal government and all provincial governments in the country.
Chairman Engr. Haroon said the engineers should take responsibility so that a required improvement should be brought about in engineering projects from top to bottom.
The moot was of the view that the future plan should be made in a way that the country should not undergo the situation that it is faced with this year.
The exchange indicated that Pakistan did not have a history of executing the plans that were designed at the advent of situations. One participant, sharing his experience said, in 2010, the then government made a committee to formulate a plan but it did not put it into execution.
A participant from Balochistan talked about remedial measures and insisted on ensuring funds in July so that the flood plans are executed. He also talked about a comprehensive analysis of the heaviest rains in Balochistan and Sindh—the provinces that got 500 percent and 400 percent more rains respectively. He said since the damage is the effect, we should look into the causes.
The setting also talked about the ignorance of Sindh’s terrain due to which the province witnessed the devastation caused by the gushing waters from Balochistan’s mountainous range. Since the bed of the river is above ground level, flood waters do not fall back into the river. Also, the waterways are obstructed by road networks and land grabbing for the increase of population. Now, water has to be flushed out of these lands, and for which the terrain should be understood in these areas.
They also referred to the observations of the international institutions and media that indicated and wrote about the huge lakes made by flood waters in the middle of Sindh.
This view was echoed by another participating engineer who recommended forming coordination committees tasked to ensure that the floods are passed through the river safely.
A senior engineer from KP also talked about the choking of waterways in his province where besides other areas, a city like Naushehra was almost submerged in flood waters. His view revealed choking of waterways all over the country turns out to be one of the most significant issues in flood management operations.
He emphasized that the laws relating to waterways must be enforced in letter and spirit.
The moot talked about legislation relating to engineering, policy, and law so that all plans sail smoothly without any obstacles all over the country.
On the rehabilitation side, the session had a very pertinent suggestion for rebuilding areas washed away by flood waters. For instance, a participant recommended having an early warning system at the lower level such as Union Council. He said we need to create higher grounds, NDMA should be informed to provide relief, solar systems should be installed for providing clean water, model villages should be set up, dykes should be redesigned and all dams should be passed through forensic examination.
Yet another participant, focusing on the macro-level recommended formulating national guidelines for structures. He also said the priority should be fixed on the livelihood of the people and there should be national guidelines as to how to deal with such situations. There should be separate flood plans for each province.
The session, in one or the other way, talked about looking at things fresh in the context of climate change that devastated Pakistan this year. Engineers from Balochistan were also in resonance with this view and recommended that all development funds of the provinces usually earmarked under annual development programs should be diverted to rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts of the provinces.
The moot also had a voice against the bad governance in the country and a senior engineer attributed much of this devastation to bad governance. He said nepotism and corruption are on the rise in the country which must be curbed.
The participants included Engr. Lt Gen(R) Moazzam Ejaz, Engr. Syed Raghib Abbas Shah, Engr. Dr. Tahir Masood, Engr. Ahmad Kamal, Engr. Zahid Arif, Engr. Muhammad Waseem Asghar, Engr. Syed Muhammad Mehr Ali Shah, Engr. Dr. Abdul Sattar Shakir, Engr. Waseem Nazir, Engr. Dr. Bashir Lakhani, Engr. Sikandar Hayat Khattak, Engr. Qazi Iftikhar, Engr. Dr. Tabassum Zahoor, Engr. Manzoor Shaikh, Engr. Tahir Hayat and Engr. Farooq Sheikh.n