Student Conference on Engineering, Sciences, and Technology (SCONEST) 2022 at Sukkur IBA University emerged to be an ideal forum for dwelling upon the role of universities to cope with the adverse effects of climate change wherein the academicians and experts came up with ideas as to how the authorities should rebuild the areas devastated by flooding created by monsoon rains in Pakistan this year.
The moot had a panel discussion titled ‘Role of Universities to cope with Adverse Effects of Climate Change and the panelists suggested short-term as well as long-term strategies and plans to rehabilitate flood affectees in the flood-hit areas.
Student Conference on Engineering, Sciences and Technology (SCONEST) 2014 is the most vital series of Research paper competitions from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) International, to introduce new scientists and engineers in the field of purposeful and scientific research. It is held on a regular basis in different universities from across Pakistan as it is a national-level event.
This year’s SCONEST was held in November at Sukkur IBA University under the banner of IEEE International, IEEE Karachi Section, IEEE Sukkur Sub-section. It was organized by the Department of Electrical Engineering and IEEE Student Branch, Sukkur IBA University.
Around 150 students attended the conference. A number of 104 research abstracts were submitted in undergraduate and postgraduate categories on the themes: Communication and Signal Processing, Robotics and Artificial intelligence, Renewable Energy Systems, Power Systems, Software Engineering, Image Processing, Cyber Security, Internet of things, Mobile Application and Development, and Biomedical Engineering. Out of these, 48 research papers were shortlisted for presentations at SCONEST.
More than 20 universities all over Pakistan participated in the conference.
Vice Chancellor Sukkur IBA University, Prof. Dr. Mir Muhamamd Shah welcomed all distinguished guests and participants.
The other main highlight of the conference was the inauguration of IEEE sub-section Sukkur, Which has now been officially registered and announced by IEEE International.
The inauguration ceremony was followed by a tribute to Late Prof. Nisar Ahmed Siddiqui in a beautiful folk tune composed by Prof. Dr. Bhawany Shankar Chowdhry and the Panel Discussion.
The Panel Discussion was moderated by Engr. Manzoor Shaikh, a renowned journalist and Editor, Engineering review. The panellists included the Vice Chancellor, Sukkur IBA University, Prof. Dr. Syed Mir Muhammad Shah, Chair IEEE Karachi Section Engr. Prof. Dr. Bhawany Shankar Chowdhry, Head of Campus Szabist Larkan Dr. Zahida Abro, Chair IEEE Sukkur Sub-section Engr. Prof. Dr. Zahid Hussain Khand and, Professor, Sukkur IBA University Engr. Prof. Dr. Madad Ali Shah.
The panellists shared their views on the “Role of Universities to cope with Adverse Effects of Climate Change”.
The Panel discussion was followed by the eight (08) parallel sessions for oral presentation on the prescribed themes where the authors from different participating universities presented their research work. The authors put all-out efforts to apprise the listeners of the new trends in technological advancement. The presenters were also facilitated with participation certificates awarded by the respective session chairs.
In the closing ceremony, the Head of the Department, Electrical Engineering, Dr. Faheem A. Chachar shared a note of thanks to all the participating universities and students.
He also appreciated the efforts of the Conference Organizing committee, especially Dr. Kashif Hussain Memon, Branch Counsellor, IEEE Student Branch Sukkur IBA University for the successful execution.
The organizers and session chairs were given appreciation certificates for their services to the conference.
The top three paper presenters from each undergraduate and postgraduate category were awarded cash prizes. The top selected abstracts were then invited for full paper submission in the Sukkur IBA Journal of Emerging Technologies (SJET)

You opted for sales after obtaining a degree in engineering, what are the reasons to do it, and are you satisfied with your decision?
SK: Since there is no concept of R&D in Pakistan, engineers have limited areas to choose from like project side, testing, sales, quality, etc. In fact, I am fond of jobs connected with mobility. Therefore when I did my BE, I did not want to do anything static or dormant. I don’t like routine jobs and I believe it has never been challenging. Thank God, I opted sales side as every day appears to be challenging. Each and every day brought new things and new systems and of course, meeting new people. I was so motivated that I set my mind to moving ahead in this field.
ER: What are your job responsibilities and what products do you sell?
SK: IMS is a big group dealing in power turbines and machines etc. we are partners with BMS and then acquired Schneider, we have electric switch gears. We clubbed some products from the engineering side and connected them with switchgear.
ER: Engineering exhibitions are a permanent feature in Pakistan, what new products you have planned to exhibit in the next exhibition in the country?
SK: On the HVACR side, behind all airflows, we have motor-controlled systems. They are efficient and we offer them to the customers. We offer all motor center systems to our clients. The positive side of this system is that we have integrated our BMS system with the motor center system. In our system, all CCTV, firefighting systems are integrated with the BMS systems. The HVAC system is also its part. You can monitor it through the interface. This is something new that we are offering.
ER: The sales effort is aimed at targeting many stakeholders at a time in a company, which specific stakeholder do you target to sell your product?
SK: In the corporate world, the custodian is the most important person as he/she handles and operates that product. For instance, if we try to sell the electrical system, we need to persuade the people who operate, maintain and remain custodians of the systems in their industry. Of course, we do remain in touch with finance guys and also with the owners of the industry too. We always need to talk to the people at multiple levels right from custodians to the commercial side guys. After all the most significant are those who operate it and be with the system.
ER: Competitiveness is a major challenge as there are many companies that offer similar systems in the market and many are good ones. How do you {as a big company} compete in the market and what challenges do you face?
SK: In the industry, customers as well as suppliers are generally categorized and classified as a whole. Likewise, products are also classified as per their standards such as Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3. They all vary from one to another in terms of quality. It’s up to the customers which tier they choose. Since the market in Pakistan is so diversified, each and every kind of supplier does take its share in the market.
ER: While looking for a less expensive product is a norm in Pakistan, what makes you distinct that the buyer gets interested to buy your product?
SK: There are a few factors for sure. The factory that we own at the moment used to export switchgears. These switchgears are installed at many places in Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, etc even at their airports. We claim we have the best quality product. The added point is that all the products from the supply chain are the same that Schneider uses in its factories. We are its licensed partners. The copper that we use in the product is as same as Schneider uses. Thus, all the ingredients that we talk about are the same.
Then our after-sales services effort is efficient that we provide for the last two decades. They are well aware of our products and they know what kind of problems could hit and where. Over 90 percent of the problems are resolved online or through telephonic communications.
ER: There are many issues with our economy and they affect everything including supply chain. How do you assure your customer of the availability of the product that you commit?
SK: In our country, everyone knows what’s going on on these fronts. If any issues appear for example as regards LC or other matters and resultantly the delivery turns late, it’s not specific to one company only. We see people failing to fulfill on their commitments. But we are trained in a way that we always make commitments that we are sure to fulfill them. We share the details with the customer to maintain our credibility. We do not want a black spot on the company.
ER: You talked about your after-sales effort, would you like to share with us that you offer to the customer as regards after-sales?
SK: We have a 50-year journey of a credible and efficient company. Nearly 80 percent of our teams has transformed to be experts. We are serious about employee retention, they are our assets and thus, our teams, trained on new standards continue to grow. The experience of the team from Areeba to Schneider continues to be transferred, then IMS inherited that system that benefits ours after sales.n

A delegation comprising personnel of Austria-based companies led by Mr. Johannies Brunner, Commercial Counsellor of Advantage Austria visited NESPAK House, Lahore, and held a meeting with Dr. Tahir Masood, Managing Director, and senior NESPAK officials.
Other Austrian delegates included Mag. Dr. Michael Premstaller from Premstaller Geotechnik, Mr. Florian Krail, Key Account Manager for Large Scale Projects of Doka, and Mr. Usman Mohiuddin, Consultant from Advantage Austria. Premstaller and Doca deal in building-related large-scale projects while Advantage Austria is the trade promotion organization of the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber.
At the meeting, Dr. Tahir Masood briefed them about NESPAK, its services, and operations in Pakistan and overseas. A joint collaboration between NESPAK and Austrian concerns on future business opportunities in Pakistan and overseas also came under discussion. MD NESPAK told the visitors that NESPAK is busy increasing its outreach to the European market as well as various other countries in Africa and the Middle East. He stated that NESPAK can act as a Resource Centre for Australian companies in Pakistan and elsewhere. On this occasion, a documentary highlighting NESPAK’s expertise in various sectors was played and a fruitful discussion was held between NESPAK professionals and Austrian delegates.
Later, in the afternoon, Mr. M. Murat Ozen, Business Development Engineer along with Mr. Yakup Kahveci, Transportation and Traffic Engineer of the EPTISA Turkiye office, paid a visit to NESPAK House, Lahore. EPTISA is a multinational company based in Spain with more than 60 years of experience in engineering, consulting, information technology, economic growth, and social development as well as operating in 55 countries. Mr. Ozen was welcomed by Dr. Tahir Masood, MD NESPAK along with senior professionals of NESPAK. Potential collaboration and partnership possibilities between NESPAK and EPTISA on future projects in Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asian states came under discussion during the meeting. n

The Amir S. Chinoy Foundation (ASCF) is associated with the Amir S. Chinoy Group which comprises 3 publicly listed companies; International Steels Limited (ISL), International Industries Limited (IIL), and Pakistan Cables Limited.
International Steels Limited’s partner Cargillhas also pledged to support Dawn Relief along with ASCF.
Together ASCF and Cargill have committed to rebuilding over 90 homes in villages devastated by the floods, starting with Bajara Sindh.
“With the devastation caused by the floods and winter approaching, it has now become critical to provide permanent shelter to communities as we transition from emergency relief to resettlement,” said Samir M. Chinoy, Chairman, ASCF. “ASCF and Cargill are proud to support Dawn Relief’s rehabilitation efforts, considering the organization’s credible record in disaster management.”
In the immediate aftermath of the devastating floods, the ASC Foundation contributed toward immediate flood relief efforts through various other non-profits. The funds helped provide food, comfort kits, and other relief supplies to families and individuals impacted by the floods in Sindh.
The Amir S. Chinoy Group’s history began when its founder Amir S. Chinoy, a visionary entrepreneur, laid the foundation for International Industries Limited (IIL) in 1948, Pak Chemicals Ltd in 1951, and Pakistan Cables Ltd “PCL” in 1953.
In addition to the group, a new enterprise, International Steels Limited (ISL) joined the fold in 2007. The ASC Group has retained its pioneering spirit and is continuously evolving by offering world-class products and services, foreign collaborations, and commitment to customer service.

The federal government has released the entire Public Sector Development Program (PSDP) allocation of Rs87 billion for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to the parliamentarians during the first four months of the current fiscal 2022-23.
Out of the total PSDP allocation of Rs 727b during the first four months (July- October), Rs 241.262b has been disbursed.
The expenditure against the releases stands at Rs 98.782b (13pc) of the total allocation, the count of releases says.
As per the strategy designed for the development budget, the Ministry of Planning and Special Initiatives (P$SI) will release 20pc of funds for the development budget in the first quarter, 25pc in the second, 30pc in the third quarter, and 20pc in the fourth quarter.
PSDP 2022-23 book says the allocation for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was Rs68b, which was later enhanced to Rs 87b. The SDGs allocation was enhanced so that all of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) 174 members in National Assembly should get Rs 500 million for development projects. The amount will be used for the execution of small projects related to sewage lines, streets maintenance, gas, water, and electricity projects under SDGs.
Some of the Ministries/Divisions have utilized less than 1pc of the allocations during the first four months of the ongoing fiscal year.
Climate Change Division has utilized Rs 34.70 million or 0.4pc of the allocated amount of Rs 9.5b in the PSDP 2022-23. The Planning Commission has released Rs1.9b during the first four months. Similarly, Finance Division has utilized Rs 14.59 million or 0.84pc of the allocated amount of Rs 1.66b. The Planning Commission has released/disbursed Rs286.46 million to Finance Division.
National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination Division has incurred an expenditure of Rs 161.47 million.
The Board of Investment has incurred an expenditure of Rs18.94 million (2.34pc) out of the allocations of Rs 807.50 million. The total released/disbursed amount to BOI is Rs 494.97 million. Even the Provincial and Special areas have utilized Rs 12.708b which is 9.12pc of the total allocation of Rs 140.635b. Higher Education Commission utilized Rs 2.532b which is 5.83pc of the allocation of Rs 44.718b.
The utilization of the National Heritage & Culture Division was Rs 3.44 million which is 1.74pc of the allocation of Rs 200 million. Railways Division utilization is Rs 3.224b which is 9.87pc of the allocation of Rs32.648b.
The Water Resource Division has incurred an expenditure of Rs 18.809b which is 19.27pc of the allocation of Rs 97.559b. The total disbursement amount to Water Resource Division is Rs21.405b.
The expenditure incurred by Science &Technological Research Division is Rs 431.47 million which is just 7.54pc of the allocation of Rs 5.716b.
Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Division has utilized Rs 721.03 million which is just 5pc of the allocated amount of Rs 14.282b.
Interior Division has incurred an expenditure of Rs 400.04 million which is 4.94pc of the allocation of Rs 8.093b. The total released disbursed amount to Interior Division is Rs 1.611b. The expenditure of the Aviation Division is just Rs 360.48 million which is 14.5pc of the allocation of Rs 2484.87 million. — ERMD