Khurram Dastgir Khan, Federal Minister for Energy, visited NESPAK House, Lahore to have an overview of NESPAK. Dr. Tahir Masood, Managing Director NESPAK, welcomed the Minister and gave him a detailed corporate presentation highlighting the objectives of the creation of NESPAK, its scope of services, and achievements. The basic objectives of NESPAK’s creation were the achievement of self-reliance in Engineering Consultancy, the development of indigenous human resources, and minimizing dependence on foreign consultants as well as the creation of employment opportunities for professionals.
During the presentation, the Minister enquired about the attaining of the objectives of NESPAK upon which, the MD NESPAK told him that NESPAK has achieved all the initial objectives of its creation and is still working on the future reform process. In order to substantiate his claim, he cited an example that currently, NESPAK has been the lead firm for provision of the engineering services for mega projects such as Bhasha and Mohmand Dams while foreign firms from the US, Turkey and Switzerland are working in the joint venture. Besides, NESPAK proved its indigenous capability by completing the Orange Line Metro Train Project in Lahore. MD also informed the Minister that NESPAK has been ranked by ENR among the top 20 non-US firms providing services in the field of engineering.
The Minister was told that NESPAK was created in 1973 as a professional entity in the engineering consultancy sector in contrast to the traditional government culture and thus its rules and organogram were drafted differently from other government sector organizations.
The Minister was told that NESPAK was a firm of international repute with its overseas offices in Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Afghanistan besides it has undertaken projects in 38 countries of the world.
On the occasion, the Minister expressed his interest in the solar energy projects and told the meeting that the Government is planning a number of projects in the solar energy sector in the coming days. The MD told the Minister that NESPAK has prepared a detailed feasibility for the Government for converting tube-wells in Balochistan to solar energy instead of providing subsidies on electricity, which would help curtail line losses to a great extent and save a significant amount of subsidies.
The MD also briefed the Minister that NESPAK has been providing its services in risk-prone areas like Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the solar, irrigation, roads, dams and energy sectors. Upon an inquiry related to over design of projects by NESPAK, the MD replied that NESPAK undertakes any design assignment in accordance with the international best practices keeping in view all aspects like static, dynamic, and wind loading, which makes its design a bit costly due to extensive working but they prove safe and more dependable in the end.
The Minister showed keen interest in the presentation and assured the MD NESPAK that his Ministry would help in addressing NESPAK issues like recovery of its receivables against various government departments

More than 3000 patients were provided free of cost consultation and medicine through mental health camps organized in all seven talukas of Tharparkar.
A team of leading experts in mental health from Karachi and Hyderabad examined patients in remote parts of the district. The camps were jointly organized by Sindh Mental Health Authority (SMHA), Health Department, District Administration Tharparkar, Jinnah Post-graduate Medical Centre, Dow University, Liaqat University Jamshoro, Karachi University, Sir Cowasji Institute-Hyderabad, Sindh University, PPHI, and Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company and Thar Foundation.
Tharparkar has registered a large number of suicides in recent years. Thar Foundation has been closely working with Sindh Mental Health Authority for the research on Psychological Autopsy of suicide cases in Tharparkar.
Additionally, both organizations have been extending support to several patients in the district. These camps were a major activity in assisting people facing mental health challenges. — PR

IEEE Communication Society (ComSoc) Karachi Chapter in collaboration with IEEE ComSoc Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET) Student Branch Chapter, IEEE Karachi Section, and QS World Merit organized the second talk of its distinguished lecture series – IEEE ComSoc Karachi chapter on “Navigation Graphs for 360 Degrees Tile Based Video Streaming Systems”.
The guest speaker of this talk was Prof. Klara Nahrstedt from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, the United States of America. The talk was organized virtually Cisco WebEx tool.
The Lecture Series – IEEE ComSoc Karachi Chapter is an initiative of IEEE ComSoc Karachi Chapter. This series aims to promote the latest technological information among the students, young professionals, and professionals. The total registered participants in this online talk was 120 out of which 36 were IEEE members and 84 were non-IEEE members. The online talk was formally started with a recitation of the Holy Quran. Afterward, Dr. Umair Ahmed Korai, Assistant Professor at Dept. of Telecommunication Engineering, MUET and Vice Chair IEEE ComSoc Karachi Chapter, welcomed the guest speaker, chief guest, guest of honor, coordinators, Organizers, and Participants.
Chair IEEE Karachi Section, Prof. Dr. Bhawani Shankar Chowdhry, attended the workshop as the Chief Guest, delivered his speech, and appreciated the speaker for taking their time from their very busy schedule. He also appreciated the efforts of Prof. Klara towards the research and activities related to IEEE ComSoc. The head of the Telecommunication Department, MUET, Prof. Dr. Aftab Ahmed Memon, also attended the talk as a guest of honor. The former head of the Telecommunication Department MUET and currently working as a Professor, Prof. Dr. Faisal Karim Shaikh also attended the talk.
The online talk last for about 90 minutes and there were quite good questions from the participants. Prof. Klara gave an excellent presentation about the Navigation Graphs for 360 Degrees Tile Based Video Streaming Systems. Team IEEE ComSoc Karachi Chapter received huge appreciation from Chair IEEE Karachi section, Prof. Dr. Bhawani Shankar, and received excellent responses from participants. The talk was amazing and helpful for the students.
In last, the head of the Telecommunication Department, MUET, Prof. Dr. Aftab Ahmed Memon gave the concluding remarks and vote of thanks to the chief guest, guest speaker, event organizers, collaborators, volunteers, and participants.
Few screenshots of second talk of the distinguish lecture series – IEEE ComSoc Karachi chapter on “Navigation Graphs for 360 Degrees Tile Based Video Streaming Systems”, delivered by Prof. Klara Nahrstedt, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign, United States of America. (a) Flyer of the event, (b) talk by Chief guest and Chair IEEE Karachi Section Prof. Dr. Bhawani Shankar, (c) One of the slides of the said talks (d) Welcome address by Dr. Umair Ahmed Korai, Vice Chair IEEE ComSoc Karachi Chapter, (e) & (f), slide of the said talk.

The Internet of Things (IoT) has touched just about every facet of our lives. But how is it affecting the way we do business?
For one, it’s enabling companies to become more flexible. This is all thanks to software, online platforms, and interconnectivity like we’ve never seen before. It’s rapidly changing all industries, including commercial HVAC. If you own a heating and cooling company or manufacture HVAC equipment, then you may be wondering how to keep up with this ever-changing landscape.
Connectivity and Data to Improve Control
The way buildings are constructed today is a bit different. Many contractors and architects are designing with “green” thinking in mind, which has led to an influx in the installation of smart meters, thermostats, and sensors to help ease power costs. Not only are building owners able to control temperatures, but they’re able to control the humidity levels and airflow as well.
They’re doing this all from their desktop, tablet, or smartphone. How is this possible? Through robust Wi-Fi-connected software. Now, landlords, owners, property managers, and maintenance techs can easily monitor and control the atmosphere of a building.
To take things even further, the software-enabled HVAC systems are collecting data and compiling it into reports to identify usage trends, system status, and past performance, which can be used to inform preventive maintenance and identify the source when something malfunctions for faster repairs. Durable nameplates allow technicians to quickly identify components, specifications, source parts for repairs and scan a barcode to document maintenance and repair activities. Some modern software-enabled HVAC systems can self-diagnose, allowing HVAC techs to quickly repair issues to minimize downtime.
Eco-Friendly HVAC Systems Are in Demand
Green initiatives are big business today. Everyone’s looking to save money (and the world). So, there’s an uptick in the trend for environmentally-friendly HVAC units, which includes the use of solar panels and wind turbines to reduce energy costs.
The use of geothermal heating and cooling methods is also on the rise, which eliminates the need for petroleum-based electricity. Instead, these heat pumps use the ground and water sources, such as ponds, to generate energy to heat and cool buildings. Some buildings incorporate a mix of gas and solar, allowing owners to switch between the two seamlessly to control power costs. There are already thermally-driven ACs in development.
Chromasun, a manufacturer in Australia, is developing chillers that use gas and solar panels to operate and are very energy efficient. Since they have few moving parts, there’s less chance of breakdowns.
Software Automation Implemented to Improve Business Functions
The days of operating your HVAC company manually are over (or at least, they should be). There are various software tools and platforms HVAC companies are using to enhance their sales, customer service, and technical support. Other systems enhance invoicing, estimating, payments, routing, and communications with clients.
Some are adopting online project management tools, such as Trello and Google Suite, to create checklists and assign jobs to workers. When equipped with durable nameplates, equipment, components, and locations are quickly identified to streamline task management and resource allocation. Implementing such tools allows HVAC businesses to operate more efficiently by ensuring their clients are taken care of and project accountability is maintained.
“Smart” HVAC Technologies Designed for Automation
Technology is at the forefront of many HVAC trends because it’s accessible and a lot smarter. The HVAC designs contractors can implement today come with sensors that “talk” to one another. What this means is that buildings have different systems that communicate. For example, occupancy sensors manage interior temperature and humidity levels, along with the lighting.
These systems can also track the conditions outdoors, such as temperature, humidity, brightness, and position of the sun. For instance, if one part of a building isn’t in direct sunlight, then the system will blow less AC during the summer and more heat during the winter months. If there are smart blinds installed, the system can open and close the blinds based on the position of the sun. Building automation systems (BAS) are growing in popularity because of the energy-saving capabilities and convenience.
HVAC Systems Are Going Ductless
Updating older buildings with air conditioning is next to impossible, especially if there’s not enough space to install ductwork. For buildings that do have space, the expense of these updates can be a bit high for customers. The workaround on both ends is ductless heating and cooling units.
You can install these compact units virtually anywhere, without the need for duct installations. Ductless HVAC units are also the perfect solution for modern infrastructures dealing with holes and gaps in ductwork that cause air leaks. Rather than paying for pricey replacements, they can opt to go with ductless HVAC systems.
Technology is Fueling the Desire for Eco-Friendly HVAC Systems
It’s not just residential customers who are feeling the pressure of high energy costs. Commercial buildings have more square footage to heat and cool, all year round. And it’s not just homeowners who are looking for ways to lessen their carbon footprint. More and more companies are going green because it’s cost-effective and showcases their stance on social responsibility.
The challenges of your customers’ energy efficiency needs are being answered with technology. By implementing innovation into your business strategy, you can future-proof your company, acquire more customers, and retain them for the long-term. — ERMD

HVACR Expo has returned to Lahore yet again. From 9 to 11, 2022, Lahore’s International Expo Centre will continue housing what its organizers call as the largest dedicated HVACR trade exhibition in Pakistan.
Ahmed Naeem Chugtai, Chairman of Pakistan HVACR Society Lahore says It was a challenge that we have accepted and we are sure the Lahore show will be larger than the previous one at the same venue.
“Lahore’s previous show had two halls and now Expo would be spread over three halls—much bigger event than the previous one,” he claimed.
Having built a reputation unmatched by any other trade show of its kind, HVACR Expo continues to prove itself, time and time again as the trade show that delivers innovation and opportunity, writes the website of the society.
“The sold-out 2017 HVACR Expo boasted 350 exhibitors, representing not only the local HVACR market but also the leading international players. The expo was hugely successful and HVACR Expo exhibitors were given plenty of opportunities to engage with thousands of high-profile visitors.”
It says: Showcasing the crucial role played by the HVACR industry and the rapidly developing technology in an eco-friendly environment, this is one exhibition you would not like to miss. Use this excellent opportunity to generate sales, gain valuable sales leads, and develop business connections.
Ahmed Naeem Chugtai says Lahore is the trendsetter and will continue to do it. ‘After 2019, the situation worsened in the wake of Covid 19. We did know if we will be able to do it in 2022.”
Society attempted to do it in the preceding years but could not succeed because of restrictions and the nonavailability of the venue.
Since Karachi and Lahore exhibitions were huge successes, what new things are coming to make Lahore a much bigger show is yet to be seen.
Mr. Chugtai says Karachi was no doubt a big show, but the venue is confusing for the visitors whereas Lahore Expo Center’s halls are linked and easily accessible.
Lahore’s previous show had two halls and now Expo would be spread over three halls–much bigger event than the previous one.
The organizers expect that the delegations from foreign companies will also participate in the exhibition besides local manufacturers and business companies. – ER