Who is Dr. Muhammad Bashir Lakhani?

on 20/08/2024

Dr. Engineer Muhammad Bashir Lakhani is a distinguished Water Resources Expert in Pakistan, with a career spanning over three decades. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from NED University and advanced degrees in Water Resources Engineering from the University of Arizona, USA, where he earned his Master’s and Ph.D. During his post-graduate studies, Dr. Lakhani conducted research at the Southwest Watershed Research Center in Tucson, Arizona, focusing on high-efficiency irrigation systems for arid regions. Following his Ph.D., he pursued postdoctoral research at the University of Arizona, leading to his appointment as a faculty member. As an Assistant Professor, Dr. Lakhani honed his expertise before returning to Pakistan to fulfill his commitment to his homeland. With a rich academic and research background, Dr. Lakhani brings unparalleled expertise to Pakistan’s water resources sector, driving innovation and progress in the field. Over the last twenty years, he has played a pivotal role in the planning, design, and execution of numerous water sector projects, both nationwide and internationally. Under Dr. Lakhani’s esteemed leadership, a plethora of high-profile projects have been successfully executed, including: ✓ Water resources, irrigation, and agricultural development projects in Balochistan and KPK, which have significantly contributed to the regions’ economic growth and development. ✓ The Greater Karachi 100 MGD Water Supply Project, K-III, which was completed ahead of schedule and within budget. ✓ Pakistan’s inaugural off-shore pipelines for islands along Karachi, a pioneering feat in the country’s water supply infrastructure. Currently, Dr. Lakhani is spearheading the design and supervision teams for the 260 MGD Greater Karachi Water Supply Project K-IV, which has attained 46% completion. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Lakhani has contributed significantly to policy development and technical assistance in the water sector. He has served as a member of the PEC Think Tank on Water Resources Development, provided valuable input to the Federal Government for water sector development, and worked as Convener of the PEC Provincial Committee for “Assessment of Flood Damages” in Sindh Province after the 2022 flood disaster. Dr. Lakhani’s expertise and leadership have had a profound and lasting impact on Pakistan’s water resources management, and his ongoing work continues to shape the country’s water sector development. He is a strong advocate for the vital link between industry and academia, recognizing that collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential for driving innovation and economic growth in developing countries like Pakistan. In line with this belief, Dr. Lakhani has been dedicated to nurturing the next generation of water resources professionals. He has provided over a hundred internship opportunities to engineering students and fresh engineers, offering them hands-on exposure, practical experience, and skill enhancement. This mentorship has enabled them to develop professional competence in handling the latest techniques and technologies, preparing them to make valuable contributions to Pakistan’s water sector. Through his efforts, Dr. Lakhani is helping to build a more skilled and knowledgeable workforce, ultimately supporting the country’s economic growth and development.n

Engr. Imtiaz Hussain Shah Activist for Engineers’ Rights since 30 years

on 20/08/2024

Engr. Imtiaz Hussain Shah is a highly accomplished engineer with over 37 years of experience in the engineering field. Holding a BSc. degree in Civil from UET Lahore (Taxila Campus), he has made significant contributions to Civil and Consulting Engineering. His expertise spans across Consulting & Construction field, making him a versatile and skilled professional in the engineering community.
Engr. Imtiaz Hussain Shah has led and successfully completed numerous high-profile and mega projects in the sectors of Water, Power & Infrastructure.
With a proven track record of leadership, he has held top leading and key positions such as President Pakistan Engineers Forum, Member Governing Body Pakistan Engineering Council (Various Tenures) where he demonstrated exceptional management and strategic planning skills.
He is an active member of various professional bodies including Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Institute of Engineers Pakistan (IEP), Association of Consulting Engineers Pakistan (ACEP)
Engr. Imtiaz Hussain Shah is committed to enhancing the role of PEC in the professional development of engineers across Pakistan and in particular young engineers and fresh graduates.
Ensuring that engineering education and training programs are aligned with international standards to produce competent and skilled engineers.
Advocating for continuous professional development opportunities, including workshops, seminars, and certifications to keep engineers updated with the latest industry trends and technologies.
Promoting research and innovation by supporting engineering projects and providing funding and resources to engineers and researchers.
Strengthening the collaboration between academia and industry to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.
Upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism within the engineering community to build a reputable and trustworthy profession.
His commitment to excellence and professional development makes him an ideal candidate for the PEC Elections 2024.

Engr. Al Kazim Mansoor A visionary civil engineer with over 30 years of experience

on 20/08/2024

Engr. Al Kazim Mansoor Graduated from NED University of Engineering Technology in Civil Engineering in 1983. Obtained MS in Civil Engineering specializing in Geotechnical Engineering from Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge LA, USA in 1985. Also attended University of Washington in Seattle for graduate courses in Geotechnical Engineering.
Returned to Pakistan in 1986 and established leading geotechnical consultancy of the country by the name of firm M/s Soilmat Engineers in 1992. Executed Geotechnical Investigation and Foundation Designs for many projects of national importance such as Kohat Tunnel, Gwadar Port. LNG Terminal at Port Qasim, Oil Terminal at KPT, Indus Highway, Karakuram Highway, Reko Diq Copper & Gold project. 78 storied KPT Towers Emaar Towers and more than 2000 projects of various natures in Pakistan and aboard.
Engr. Al Kazim Mansoor has been very active in engineer’s issues and was elected as its first Senior Vice Chairman in elections held in 2011. However, he was later denied his rightful position through several court cases. He has been elected numerous times as member of central council of Institute of Engineering and currently serving as its Vice Chairmen (Civil) Karachi Center. He has delivered many lectures and presented papers at national and international conferences and recently been awarded “Life Time Achievement Award” for the services rendered in the field of Geotechnical Engineering in Pakistan over the last 35 years.
Engr. Al Kazim Mansoor is a candidate for Chairman, Pakistan Engineering Council he brings with him decades of public service and professional excellence. For the last five years he is severing as President of Pakistan Engineers Forum, an NGO serving the engineers of Pakistan and has membership of thousands of engineers all over Pakistan.

Four Reasons Why Engr. Dr. Raghib Abbas Shah Should Be Senior Vice Chairman of PEC?

on 20/08/2024

Engr. Dr. Syed Raghib Abbas Shah, the esteemed former Chairman of WAPDA, is a distinguished candidate for the position of Senior Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Engineering Council. His tenure at WAPDA was marked by remarkable achievements, including the construction of numerous dams and the establishment of vital powerhouses. Mr. Shah’s visionary leadership and commitment to excellence significantly contributed to the betterment of Pakistan’s infrastructure and energy sector. His tireless efforts have not only enhanced the nation’s power capacity but also ensured sustainable development.
He did his graduation from NED Collage Karachi in 1970 in the Civil Engineering discipline and Joined WAPDA in 1974 as junior Engineer, worked as snr. Engineer, Superintendent Engineer, Chief Engineer, General Manager, Managing Director & member of WAPDA Authority. He retired as Chairman WAPDA in 2014.
He had experience of working in mega Hydro Power Projects of WAPDA like Mangala raising Dam, DISCOS of WAPDA, NTDC, Thermal Power Stations as Chairman WAPDA.
He had also experience of working in Drainage Projects of WAPDA in Sindh, like Right Bank Outfall Drain & Left Bank Outfall Drain. He also worked on small Dams and low head Hydro Power Projects in Pakistan.
After retirement he did his Masters in Civil Engineering & recently in 2023 did my PhD in Geo Technology (Civil Engineering) from Mehran University of Engineering & Technology Jamshoro.
He visited USA, Russia, Thailand, France, Turkey, India, Bangladesh, Iran, Italy, China, Srilanka and Korea for technical discussions and reading Papers along with some MoUs.
He is member of International Commission of Irrigation and Drainage (ICID). He is also member & Chairman of Pakistan Water Partnership under Global Water Partnership (an International Organizations).
He is also member of Independent Panel of Experts working for (PEDO) under World Bank.
He is director of Water Environment of Forum, Chairman IP Hyderabad Centre and life Time member of Pakistan Engineering Congress and Pakistan Engineering Council.

NED organizes 1st National Leadership Conference on ‘Industrial Linkage’

on 20/08/2024

INTRODUCTION: In the contemporary landscape of innovation and progress, the synergy between academia, industry, and government (Triple Helix) plays a pivotal role in driving societal development. However, a gap among these three sectors often inhibits the seamless flow of knowledge, resources, and expertise. To address such disparity and cultivate stronger bonds, a conference was proposed on industrial liaison with a focus on nurturing and enhancing the relationship between industry and academia.
STRUCTURE OF CONFERENCE:
Inaugural Session:
The conference commenced with a grand Inaugural Session, featuring participation from the academia, industry, and government sectors.
The Inaugural session was followed by a tea break & networking of twenty minutes.
Plenary Session:
Following the tea break, there was a Plenary Session where speakers presented on a topic of industrial linkages to the conference delegation. The plenary session concluded with a Q&A session.
Roundtable Discussion (Breakout Session) & Closing Session:
Followed by one session i.e. Roundtable Discussion (Breakout Sessions) in the afternoon culminated in a Closing Session.
The proposed activities outlined above were distributed across these sessions and ensured that representatives from academia, industry, and government had ample opportunity to exchange their insights and experiences.
POTENTIAL PARTICIPANTS:
Academia:
VCs, Pro-VCs, Rectors, Deans, Chairpersons, Industrial Liaison, Faculty.
Industry:
CEOs/Managing Directors/Directors/HR Heads and top leadership from Construction, Energy, Process, Automobile, Information Technology, Healthcare, and Textile Industries, and representation of S.I.T.E. Association of Industry.
Government:
Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation, Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Planning Commission of Pakistan.
Regulatory Bodies:
HEC, Sindh HEC, Hub Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
CONCLUSION: The proposed leadership conference on industrial liaison focusing on developing industry, academia, and government bonding aims to catalyze meaningful interactions and collaborations between these three essential sectors. By fostering a deeper understanding of each other’s needs, capabilities, and aspirations, we aspire to lay the groundwork for sustainable partnerships that drive innovation, economic growth, and societal impact.
The conference concluded with the recommendations submitted by the participants.n