Monitoring IT Skills BootCamp
Web Engineering, Data Analysis
at heart of IT Bridge Program

on 24/10/2023

On the 4th of August 2023, a significant monitoring visit took place, led by Ms. Tanzeela Ume Habiba, the Special Assistant to the Chief Minister. Accompanied by her dedicated team from the IT Department, the purpose of this visit was to assess the ongoing IT Skills BootCamp classes at Public School Hyderabad.
The IT Skills BootCamp, an initiative sponsored by the IT Department Government of Sindh and conducted by Sukkur IBA, represents a commendable effort to equip deserving candidates with employability skills for both local and international markets. The primary aim is to bridge the skills gap and empower individuals for better career prospects.
In its current phase, BootCamp is focusing on two essential courses, namely Web Engineering and Data Analysis with Python. These courses are being conducted across six different locations in Sindh, marking a concerted effort to extend the benefits of the program widely.
The rigor of BootCamp’s curriculum is evident in its approach. With an intensive schedule of five hours per day and five days per week over three months, participants are fully immersed in their learning journey. The assessment criteria go beyond traditional exams, incorporating individual projects and real-world simulations of job interviews or freelancing endeavors.
One of the standout aspects of the BootCamp is the professionalism and enthusiasm exhibited by the trainers. Their commitment to nurturing the students’ skills and knowledge is truly commendable.
During the visit, Ms. Tanzeela Ume Habiba took the opportunity to engage with and motivate the students in each class. She underlined the fact that the government’s investment in the program is a testament to its commitment to bring the candidates to employability levels.
Ms. Tanzeela Ume Habiba emphasized that the students’ and trainers’ dedication is pivotal at this juncture. The government’s efforts are aimed at creating a conducive learning environment, but it is the responsibility of the students and trainers to channel their efforts toward success. Completion of individual software projects and successful job interviews or freelancing endeavors would not only signify personal achievements but also pave the way for extending the program’s benefits to numerous other deserving candidates.
Joining the visit were esteemed members of the IBA Sukkur, Dr. Altaf Samoo, and Mr. Kamran Shah, who accompanied Ms. Tanzeela Ume Habiba. Their presence underscores the collaborative approach to skill development and highlights the program’s significance.
The Worthy Director General, Dr. Rana Shahzad, a key figure in this initiative, emphasized that registration for the program’s second phase was open until August 15, 2023. This phase particularly targets graduates who are seeking meaningful employment opportunities but lack the requisite skills. Interested individuals can conveniently register online by visiting https://istd.sindh.gov.pk/bootcamp.
The monitoring visit concluded on a note of optimism and determination, with all stakeholders reaffirming their commitment to the success of the IT Skills BootCamp. As the program continues to make strides in empowering individuals and transforming their lives, its impact is poised to resonate far and wide.

ASHRAE RAL SR1 Planning Meeting Sets New Milestones in Pakistan’s HVAC&R Industry

on 24/10/2023

The ASHRAE Pakistan Chapter made history by hosting the inaugural ASHRAE RAL SR1 Planning Meeting from August 4th to 6th, 2023, amidst the captivating landscapes of Nathiagali, Pakistan. This monumental occasion marked a moment of pride for Pakistan, as it hosted the first-ever international event organized by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) within its borders.
Established in 1895, ASHRAE is a globally recognized society of engineers and professionals dedicated to advancing the fields of Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC&R). Headquartered in Atlanta, USA, ASHRAE boasts a membership of over 50,000 professionals across 130 countries. ASHRAE’s organizational structure comprises various geographical regions and sub-regions, with Region-at-Large (RAL) being the largest, further divided into Sub-Region 1 and 2. ASHRAE RAL SR1, encompassing 16 chapters including Pakistan, Turkey, Oman, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Jordan, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Libya, focuses on promoting excellence and innovation within the HVAC&R sector.
The ASHRAE RAL SR1 Planning Meeting represents a pivotal annual gathering where member chapters from the respective region convene in a chosen host country to deliberate and strategize on regional activities. This year, Pakistan had the honor of being selected as the host country for the ASHRAE RAL SR1 Planning Meeting 2023-24, underscoring the nation’s burgeoning role in shaping the future of HVAC&R.
The ASHRAE Pakistan Chapter took center stage as the principal host of this landmark event, showcasing the exquisite beauty of Nathiagali as the backdrop for this intellectual exchange. With its pleasant climate, scenic valleys, and lush forests, Nathiagali offered an ideal environment for delegates to engage in productive discussions while experiencing the natural wonders of Pakistan’s northern regions.
En route to Nathiagali from Islamabad International Airport, delegates had the opportunity to explore the captivating city of Islamabad, a testament to Pakistan’s vibrant culture and modernity. The Alpine Hotel, nestled amidst serene surroundings, provided a comfortable and serene haven for participants, who praised the hospitality and impeccable arrangements.
A particularly significant highlight was the presence of Mr. Farooq Mehboob, the immediate past president of ASHRAE, as one of the leaders of the SR1 Meeting. Mr. Farooq Mehboob, a founding member of both the ASHRAE Pakistan Chapter and the Pakistan HVACR Society, holds the distinction of being the first non-American and non-European member to assume the presidency of ASHRAE since its inception in 1895. His leadership and contributions serve as an inspiration to the global HVAC&R community.
The success of the ASHRAE RAL SR1 Planning Meeting owes much to the exceptional efforts of the Organizing Committee led by Muhammad Abbas Sajid (Chair Managing Committee), Adeeba Mehboob (Vice Chair), Muhammad Omer Khan (President ASHRAE APC), and Ibad Hasan (Secretary ASHRAE APC). Their unwavering dedication, meticulous planning, and collaborative spirit were instrumental in creating a memorable and impactful event that will be remembered in the annals of ASHRAE history.
The ASHRAE RAL SR1 Planning Meeting culminated with resounding support for more ASHRAE events in Pakistan, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration in the industry. The event’s co-hosts included the ASHRAE Northern Pakistan Chapter, Central Pakistan Chapter, and Faisalabad Chapter, while the Business Relay Group (BRG) expertly organized this historic event, ensuring its seamless execution.
The ASHRAE RAL SR1 Planning Meeting exemplifies the dedication of ASHRAE Pakistan Chapter to driving excellence, sustainability, and knowledge-sharing within the HVAC&R sector. This extraordinary gathering not only celebrated Pakistan’s role as a host but also underscored the nation’s growing influence in the global HVAC&R community.

Pakistan Cables launches ‘The Electric Show’ on YouTube in partnership with Hunar Foundation

on 24/10/2023

Pakistan Cables announced the launch of ‘The Electric Show’, a learning-based digital program, aired on the Company’s YouTube channel. The program has been produced in collaboration with The Hunar Foundation which is the knowledge partner for the program.
The Electric Show aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and Industry practices by providing practical knowledge to electricians, professionals, students, and anyone with an interest in the electrical field.
“Pakistan Cables has a rich history of leading and supporting various youth empowerment initiatives for decades. We are marking our company’s 70 years anniversary in 2023, and The Electric Show is our way of opening newer fronts for the youth by providing them with knowledge for their development”, said Fahd K. Chinoy, CEO of Pakistan Cables Ltd.
The Company released the show for easy and free access through the Pakistan Cables YouTube channel in the spirit of its vision to transform lives through empowerment.

‘Underground subways the only way to address Karachi’s transport’
Investment in young generation has no match, says CEO, Data Communication & Control, Samir A. Hoodbhoy

on 24/10/2023

About thirty years ago, I had a dream that Karachi should have underground subways as it is the only way to resolve the issue of transport. Thus, I started lobbying for a 20-year plan, as did US President John F. Kennedy to send a man to the moon in ten years. Our objective was to learn about technologies which we could not procure or purchase. We were supposed to pursue such technologies through introducing a variety of courses in our engineering universities. The initial stage of the program was to teach students the required technology at our universities. We thought about a coordinated plan under which the final year projects were based on those technologies we were supposed to require for our infrastructure projects. We made a plan during the days of Dr. Attai-ur-Rehman and Abdul Kalam (the then Vice Chancellor of NED University) cost Rs20 crore. The Planning Commission, HEC and City Nazim agreed upon the project which could not be allowed to pass through approval. There are some people who are against the process.
Even now, it is not too late. We have to plan for our future generations as our population continues to grow in numbers. It is not difficult, as technology is progressing, so in fact. What we need is the right guy to lead the process.
ER: We need to create a complete echo system including government, industry and academia. You are involved at UIT University Karachi. Do you think the education being given in universities is enough to address the priority areas in Pakistan?
You need to establish a set of priorities. Once, we had a Planning Commission which, I think, is not here anymore and also the governments at the center are not stable. Who will be the spokesperson for the engineering community? PEC? Right people must join hands, they must lobby and speak out, keeping their individual interests at bay. Then you need financial backing like 1 to 2 million dollars for planning infrastructure through the right technologies for the future. A board should be constituted with people who work on an honorary basis. Once, we had luminaries in the country like Dr. Abdul Salam, but now we are running short of such a kind.
ER: The government has constituted a body which, as claimed, will attract US$50 billion
FDI. Is it a step in the right direction?
Why do you need FDI for everything? What we need is our young generation who should build the country. Nobody will give you money without interest. They expect something. Local infrastructure is important and needs something to attract investment. For example, like India, it has health parks where the patients have all the facilities. We have very good hospitals here which should be used for health tourism. We can invest in tourism also. We have eleven hundred kilometers of coastline where we can attract people from abroad.
We are an arid country and in the desert we need to move to arid irrigation through the use of technologies. Also, we need to introduce drip irrigation along with the introduction of new seeds. In this field we need some research. China has offered agro technologies to Pakistan. – Manzoor Shaikh

‘Failing to complete PEC towers at Lahore, Peshawar, Islamabad is height of incompetence’ TEP resolves to secure approval for Engineers Service Structure Bill Core Com, EC not happy with sitting GB for ignorance over Young Engineers GB Seats Bill

on 24/10/2023

The Engineers Pakistan (TEP) led by Engr. Engr Jawed Salim Qureshi has resolved to get approval from the new National Assembly for the Engineers Service Structure Reforms Bill which sailed through the upper house of the parliament—the Senate—but failed to get the node of the lower house, dissolved by the premier this month.
TEP believed to be the wider platform of the engineers in Pakistan expressed its unhappiness that the current Governing Body of the Pakistan Engineering Council did not take the Young Engineers GB Seats Bill to the National Assembly. The council unanimously approved the bill while TEP was in power in 2018-21.
The Core-Committee and Executive Council of TEP which met in Lahore to commemorate the 76th Independence of the Country pledged to serve and make Pakistan a “Prosperous, Welfare and High Tech State“.
Members across Pakistan participated in the Hybrid meeting. Members unanimously passed the following resolutions:
TEP initiated various reforms in Pakistan to restore the pride of engineers and the engineering profession since 2015. These reforms changed the total structure of the council and engineers, which created awareness among stakeholders, especially engineers to stand for their rights under the leadership of Engr Jawed Salim Qureshi.
All participants appreciated the efforts made by TEP Engineers to get the approved Engineers Service Structure Reforms Bill from the Senate under the leadership of Senator Rukhsana Zubari.
The communications further said: It was told that they tried their level best to get approval from the National Assembly but their efforts couldn’t bring fruit.
But still, the good news is that bill is now tabled in National Assembly, TEP moot believes.
TEP will get approved by the bill from the new National Assembly of Pakistan.
All participants expressed their deep concern that the current GB did not take to the National Assembly the bill about the seats for young engineers in GB. It was unanimously approved by GB 2018-21.
TEP Moot assured young engineers that they started giving representation to young engineers and that they would accomplish it.
They condemned the height of incompetence of the current GB for not completing the PEC towers at Lahore, Peshawar, and Islamabad which were developed as incubation centers for young engineers and showcase the innovations of engineers for the industry.
The meeting congratulated Chairman TEP Engr. Jawed Salim Qureshi and his dedicated team for getting approval for service cadre 13 from the Senate.
Following are the “Amendments in Civil Servant Act 1973”. passed in Senate Unanimously.
Registered Engineer or Professional Engineer, as defined in PEC Act 1976, shall only be posted in any Ministry, Division, or Department under the Government dealing with subjects of Infrastructure, Energy, Water, C&W, including but not limited to Ministries of Power, Energy, Planning & Development, Railways, Housing & Works, Water Resources, Industries & Production, Information Technology & Telecommunication, Science & Technology, Aviation Division, Defense Production, Marine Affairs & Communication.
The Engineering Services of Pakistan shall be the thirteenth Group and shall be notified within three months of the coming into effect of the Civil Servant (Amendment) Act 2023.
Engr Jawed Salim Qureshi and his team have worked hard day and night to restore the pride of engineers and the engineering profession, TEP communication issued by Secretary TEP, Engr. Malik Saleem Ullah Saeed says. ‘Another milestone achieved by Senate to uphold the dignity of Engineers. It will surely contribute to the National Development and prosperity of Engineers.