Tag Archives: Karachi

Outlines of Triangular Contest for PEC Chairman Appear on HorizonThree contestants of Engr. Haroon in National Engineers likely to step back

on 20/11/2023

Backstage exchanges with several engineers stalwarts around the country suggest that the National Engineers—the alliance ruling Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC)—has lately been successful in creating a common ground for selecting a consensus candidate for the forthcoming PEC Elections 2024. And as it appears, Engr. Najeeb Haroon, the incumbent chairman of the council is most likely to be picked up as the top candidate of the alliance.
The constructors of the alliance included the National Engineers formed by Engr. Abdul Qadir Shah, leading National Engineers Welfare Association (NEWA) with his most critical support of Engr. Mukhtiar Shaikh—the man who he {Engr. Abdul Qadir Shah} has developed a love-hate relationship with—Engr. Najeeb Haroon, a breakaway patron-in-chief of the Professional Excellence Group (PEG), now led by Engr. Waseem Nazir, who had almost broken a deal with NEWA before aligning with Engr. Najeeb Haroon and Ashfaq Shah, the leader of the Contractors Association of Pakistan (CAP). In Punjab, the Pakistan Engineers Congress had also aligned it with the National Engineers that won the seat next to chairman after Engr. Imtiaz Shah-led group parted ways on the issue of the distribution of seats in the Governing Body of the council at the eleventh hour.
The alliance remains as same as it was in 2021 at the eve of elections but the power plays. Neither Engr. Najeeb Haroon, the then lone man nor NEWA are the same, both partners have their own strengths and weaknesses, and they have driven the council all along with having an edge of the former over the latter for his incontestable powers as the chairman. Also, both have gained as well as lost ground during the last two-plus years of the council’s rule. But have minimum options, Engr. Haroon has no other better allies than the Shah-Shaikh group and they {NEWA} have no leader of national stature. Both have a good sense to lose if they broke away—the situation which glued them with each other despite many issues developed between them. NEWA which ardently opposed the appointment of an advisor to the chairman in the council has now embraced it to maintain its share in the council no matter at the cost of overlapping of the ToRs of many committees it formed to spearhead important tasks of the council.
But the question is how Engr. Abdul Qadir Shah, who was set in mind to contest at all costs this time round, Engr. Arif Zahid Arif who merged his KP-based organization in NEWA so that his dream came true and Engr. Niaz Akhtar, who must be tired of being number two, will step down?
Engr. Shah’s resolve, as engineers’ circles claim has received an unwelcome response from his own house at Sukkur. His younger brother Syed Khursheed Shah whose supply line has been instrumental for him and his engineer-cum politician son are likely to take responsibility to convince him to step down. Almost everyone in NEWA has started believing the House of Shahs will do it successfully and also who played his part to get it done.
Additionally, almost everyone in NEWA believes Engr. Shah could never be a hot candidate in Punjab, housing the largest number of engineers in Pakistan in the backdrop of political support in the largest province of Pakistan where his brother’s party has miserably failed to revive its support base. In this scenario, the Pakistan Engineering Congress (PEC)’s support will not do any good to Engr. Shah. Instead, the congress would love to retake the post of Senior Vice Chairman of the council under Engr. Haroon.
Then what about resourceful Engr. Zahid Arif? Let’s think about some possible deal. Engr. Zahid Arif can be elected as chairman if the system adopts the turn system which the Act & Bylaws Committee of the council has proposed. Now, he can be lured if the alliance agrees to adopt and confirm the proposed turn system and decides to implement it from PEC Election 2027. Zahid Arif who is the central leader of NEWA has already said he would follow the collective decisions of his organization.
If Engr. Shah and Engr. Arif are addressed smoothly then why should Engr. Akhtar push himself to the loneliness in the province where two giants—Engr. Jawed Saleem Qureshi and Engr. Waseem Nazir, of them former claims to be the largest party of engineers and the latter bagged the highest number of votes–are housed. So it’s not better to wait till Engr. Haroon’s possible second tenure is finished, enjoy the clout in the council and get elected his men outside the ambit of the National Engineers Panel?
Resultantly, the engineers in Pakistan will see a triangular contest in PEC Election 2024 with one difference that Engr. Haroon and Engr. Nazir will find Engr. Jawed Saleem Qureshi instead of Engr. Jabbar Rana.

MUET, IEEE SIGHT, IEEE Asia Pacific Region 10 collaboration Building sustainable communities and empowering action against climate change

on 02/11/2023

Introduction: MUET, in conjunction with IEEE SIGHT (Special Interest Group on Humanitarian Technology) Karachi Section and with the backing of IEEE Asia Pacific Region 10, orchestrated an event titled “Building Sustainable Communities and Empowering Action against Climate Change.”
This collaborative initiative involved EU Erasmus Plus ACTIVE program, QSIMPACT Pakistan, and IEEE MUET Chapter, coinciding with the celebration of EU Erasmus Day.
The event featured distinguished guests, including Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Tauha Hussain Ali as the Chief Guest for the “Building Sustainable Communities and Empowering Action against Climate Change” segment and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Aslam Uqaili, former VC MUET, as the Chief Guest for the Erasmus Day celebration event.
The Vice Chancellor Professor DR. Tauha Hussain, applauded the collective efforts and honored the participants with tokens of appreciation. A panel of esteemed speakers addressed pertinent topics during the gathering. Prof. Prakash Lohana shed light on “Empowering Women for Sustainable Climate Resilience,” while Ms. Bathe Eden emphasized the role of QS ImpACT Pakistan in empowering youth to contribute positively to their communities, aligned with the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Bhawani Shankar Chowdhry delved into the “ICT-Based Application for Sustainable Environmental Protection,” and Prof. Dr. Tanveer Hussain focused on “Climate Crises in Pakistan.” The discussions also encompassed Prof. Dr. Sheeraz Ahmed Memon’s insights on “AI and ICT Game Changers for Environmental Challenges,” Engr Zakir Sheikh and Ms. Aisha’s discourse on sustainable Development goals and Engr. Najeeb’s presentation on “Climate Change and Sustainable Processes for Carbon Reduction” from an Italian university perspective. The overarching objectives of the event were to foster a unified approach towards environmental consciousness and its intersection with community welfare, aiming to: Enhance awareness regarding the impact of climate change on both the environment and communities. Provide comprehensive educational and training opportunities for volunteers, enabling them to actively participate in sustainable initiatives.
Prof. Dr. Tauha Hussain Ali acknowledged collective efforts of all participants in contributing to the discourse on building sustainable communities and combating climate change. His speech highlighted the significance of such initiatives in fostering a culture of environmental consciousness and sustainable development within the academic community and beyond. Furthermore, in recognition of the participants’ dedicated contributions and valuable insights shared during the event, the Vice Chancellor personally honored each participant with tokens of appreciation. These tokens symbolized the university’s gratitude for the commitment and active engagement demonstrated by the attendees in addressing pressing environmental challenges. The act of honoring the participants not only underscored the importance of their involvement but also served as an encouragement for continued dedication to sustainable initiatives and advocacy for climate resilience.
rof. Dr. Muhammad Aslam Uqaili (Former Vice Chancellor MUET): Professor Aslam Uqaili’s speech centered on carbon reduction strategies and climate change initiatives, drawing from an Italian university’s perspective. He emphasized the implementation of effective carbon emission reduction methods and sustainable practices within the university context. The significance of educational institutions in leading environmental stewardship through research, education, and practical application of sustainable technologies was a key highlight. Additionally, the Vice Chancellor expressed gratitude to the participants for their valuable contributions and dedication, presenting them with tokens of appreciation, symbolizing the university’s acknowledgment of their commitment to addressing pressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability. This gesture served as both recognition for their involvement and encouragement for continued efforts in fostering climate resilience.
Every speaker collectively provided a comprehensive understanding of various perspectives and approaches to address climate change challenges, emphasizing the critical role of empowerment, technology, and collaborative efforts in building sustainable communities.
Prof. Prakash Lohana (Chair IEEE SIGHT Karachi) emphasized the need to empower women in the context of climate change resilience. His speech focused on the pivotal role women play in building sustainable communities and the importance of their active participation in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts. He highlighted successful case studies where women-led initiatives had a profound impact on local environmental sustainability.
Ms. Beth Eden (CEO QS ImpACT) highlighted the critical role of QS IMPACT, emphasizing how this platform serves as a catalyst for empowering youth to contribute positively to their communities. Her speech delved into the practical applications of the platform in fostering community engagement and aligning youth initiatives with the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals. She provided insights into how young people can become agents of change and contribute to sustainable development on a global scale.
Prof. Dr. Bhawani Shankar Chowdhry (Chair IEEE Karachi section) focused on the integration of ICT-based applications for environmental protection. Prof. Chowdhry shed light on how technological advancements could be harnessed to address pressing environmental challenges. He discussed the implementation of innovative digital solutions, emphasizing the role of technology in monitoring, managing, and mitigating environmental degradation and promoting sustainability at various levels
Prof. Dr. Tanveer Hussain centered his discussion on the specific challenges and implications of climate change within the context of Pakistan. He highlighted the urgent need for tailored strategies and policies to address the unique environmental issues faced by the country. His speech covered the impact of climate change on Pakistan’s ecosystems, communities, and economy, offering insights into potential solutions and adaptive measures to ensure sustainable development despite these challenges.
Engr. Najeebullah Channa (PHD Scholar PoLiTO Italy) focused on climate change and sustainable processes for carbon reduction from an Italian university perspective. He discussed the innovative approaches and best practices implemented in the university setting to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices. His speech highlighted the importance of educational institutions in leading by example and fostering a culture of environmental responsibility through research, education, and practical applications of sustainable technologies.
Moreover, Prof. Dr. Sheeraz Ahmed Memon explored the transformative potential of AI and ICT in addressing pressing environmental challenges. And Engr.Aisha Research Assistant NCRA_CMS_LAB who was an Event Co-Organizer delivered a captivating talk QS ImpACT Achievement and Future Work Related to SDG’S achievements and future initiatives related to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Muhammad Aslam Uqaili and Muhammad Zakir Sheikh (President QS ImpACT Pakistan) revolved around the accomplishments of QS ImpACT in Pakistan and its future endeavors related to the Sustainable Development Goals. They discussed the specific initiatives undertaken by QS ImpACT Pakistan to promote sustainable development and community engagement. Additionally, they highlighted the collaborative efforts and partnerships aimed at fostering a culture of sustainability and responsible citizenship among diverse stakeholders, including the youth, local communities, and educational institutions.
Targeted audience reached: As the targeted audience was around 150, comprehensively the volunteers managed to gain an overwhelming response from the audience there were around 160 participants who attended the event.
Reviews of the participants: Following the conclusion of the event, an overwhelming wave of positive reviews emerged from the participants. Enthusiastic commendations underscored the event’s comprehensive and insightful discussions, which provided a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness between sustainable development and climate resilience. Participants lauded the diverse array of keynote speakers, highlighting their thought-provoking presentations that offered innovative solutions and practical approaches to address pressing environmental challenges. Moreover, the event was hailed for its engaging and interactive format, fostering meaningful networking opportunities and knowledge sharing among attendees from various sectors and backgrounds. The overall sentiment conveyed a collective appreciation for the event’s role in inspiring action and fostering a renewed commitment to driving positive change within communities, reinforcing the participants’ shared dedication to combating climate change and promoting sustainable practices.
Conclusion: The event has successfully underscored the urgent need for collective and decisive action to combat the multifaceted challenges posed by climate change. The discussions and initiatives undertaken during this event have illuminated the critical role of local communities in fostering sustainable practices and fostering resilience in the face of environmental upheavals. By emphasizing the significance of collaborative efforts among various stakeholders, including policymakers, businesses, NGOs, and grassroots organizations, the event has reinforced the idea that addressing climate change necessitates a holistic and inclusive approach. From promoting renewable energy adoption to advocating for sustainable urban planning, the event has effectively highlighted the interconnectedness between environmental preservation, social equity, and economic development.
Moreover, the event’s emphasis on education and awareness-raising campaigns has illuminated the path towards fostering a more environmentally conscious global citizenry. By empowering individuals with knowledge and tools to make informed decisions, the event has sowed the seeds for a sustainable mindset that can drive long-term behavioral change and inspire innovative solutions to climate-related challenges. As the event concludes, it is evident that building sustainable communities and combating climate change are not isolated endeavors but integral components of a shared global responsibility. The commitment and enthusiasm exhibited by participants reflect a collective determination to create a more resilient, equitable, and environmentally conscious world for present and future generations. While significant challenges lie ahead, the event has laid a solid foundation for continued collaboration and action, underscoring the imperative to sustain the momentum and translate discussions into tangible, measurable results.

NED set to address local challenges for technology-driven climate actions

on 02/11/2023

NED University of Engineering and Technology, Pakistan and University of West of Scotland, UK announced working jointly to develop technological solutions for monitoring and predictions related to climate change in Pakistan.
The project emerged from “Going Global Partnership PAK-UK Education Gateway Mobility Partnership for Faculty” supported by the British Council and Higher Education Commission, Pakistan. The mobility partnership enabled the researchers from both participating universities to visit each other to strengthen their research collaboration in the area of climate change.
The researchers from NED University and the University of West of Scotland (UWS) informed the participants that they are working on developing specialized Internet of Things (IoT) based sensors for monitoring climate changes and collecting the data for forecasting and predictions of potential anomalies. They have already launched a joint dashboard to collectively monitor the climate data coming through the sensor nodes placed at NED University and UWS. The focal person from NED University said that climate monitoring through digital sensors is a relatively cost-effective solution and scalable to micro and macro levels. Moreover, it enables us to develop specialized sensors to meet the requirements of any application. Currently, the research team from NED and UWS is working on expanding their sensor network to collect data from different locations. The focal person from UWS mentioned the importance of availability of accurate data to properly address the challenges associated with climate change. As Pakistan has been severely affected by climate change, data-driven policies and practices need to be adopted to minimize the impact.
In addition to the research and development activities, the team is thriving for active stakeholder engagement to address this important issue. The focal person from NED University says that strong collaborations are essential to properly address this important issue. All stakeholders from industry, academia, research organizations, professional bodies, and policymakers should join hands to identify and actively tackle the local challenges in this area. We have initiated several activities to increase stakeholder involvement and to create public awareness of the issue. These activities include arranging an international conference on Technology Driven Climate Actions at NED University, arranging a symposium on Digital Connectivity & Innovation for Sustainable Futures at UWS, arranging several technical talks, workshops, and trainings both in UK and Pakistan, arranging focus group meetings with academic fraternity, industry professionals, government, and professional bodies.
One such meeting was arranged in collaboration with the Institute of Engineers Pakistan (IEP) in its Karachi office on 23rd October 2023. The meeting was attended by the executive committee of IEP, the research team from NED University, researchers from UWS, industrial collaborators from the UK, and representatives from local industry including the representatives from Pakistan petroleum Limited (PPL), Engro, K-Electric, Ashrae, Pakistan Plumbing Association etc. The focus of the meeting was to discuss strategies for effective collaboration and bridging the gap between industry and academia to foster the research culture for societal impact. Trust-building between different stakeholders is essential to combining expertise from different areas to identify the challenges faced by the local industry. Implementation of policies related to data security and privacy will be essential to sustain such collaborations. During the meeting it was decided to start with micro-level solutions and gradually scale up to macro level. — PR

Senior engineers vet Engr. Syed Abdul Qadir Shah for PEC elections

on 02/11/2023

A select gathering was organized by Engr. Shahnawaz Nahiyoon to honor Engr. Syed Abdul Qadir Shah, Chairman of the National Engineers Association (NEA).
The event brought together engineers from various fields, including CEOs, Chief Engineers, GMs, and directors from public and private organizations. The purpose of the gathering was to acknowledge the contributions of Engr. Syed Abdul Qadir Shah and discuss the work of the NEA.
The meeting included Engr. Syed Abdul Qadir Shah, Chairman, National Engineers Association, Engr. Shahnawaz Nahiyoon – the organizer of the event, Engr. Abdul Rehman Shaikh, General Secretary, NEA, Engr. Mohsin Ail Khan, Engr. A. Majid Malik, Engr. Abid Shah Bukhari, Engr. Cap. Waqar Hussain and others.
Syed Abdul Qadir Shah briefed the moot on activities of National Engineers Association (NEA). He highlighted the association’s goals, achievements, and ongoing initiatives aimed for promoting the engineering profession in the country.
One of the focal points of the gathering was to make a comparative analysis of the performance of the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) during different tenures.
Participants shared their perspectives and experiences related to the PEC’s functioning and appreciated the work carried out under the chairmanship of Engr. Syed Abdul Qadir Shah. His efforts were commended for the advancement of the engineering sector.
Some participants requested him to contest for the office of Chairman of the council in the upcoming election.
Also, They highlighted his track record, commitment, and vision for the engineering community, expressing their belief that his continued involvement would further strengthen the PEC’s role and effectiveness.

The SBTi approves Pakistan Cables science-based emissions reduction target

on 02/11/2023

Pakistan Cables, the pioneer wire and cable manufacturer in Pakistan, has become the country’s first building material company to have its science-based emission reduction targets validated and approved by SBTi. The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) drives ambitious climate action in the private sector by enabling organizations to set science-based emissions reduction targets.
“We plan to drive sustainability by investing in continuous process improvement and cleaner energy to reach our targets by 2030,” said Fahd K. Chinoy, CEO at Pakistan Cables. “By setting science-based targets, Pakistan Cables is accelerating its efforts to align with ongoing global efforts to reduce global warming”.
The Company’s science-based emission reduction targets are part of its long-term vision to develop its net zero strategy and is actively working to establish long-term science-based net zero targets that are aligned with SBTi’s net zero criterion.
Earlier in 2021, Pakistan Cables became one of the 26 Pakistani companies and the only building materials company that signed the pledge for Business Ambition 1.5oC ahead of COP26. To date, the Company has planted approximately 50,000 trees at the Pakistan Cables Urban Forest location in Nooriabad factory, which is the country’s first and largest Miyawaki based Urban Forest on an industrial estate.
Furthermore, Pakistan Cables has the 14001:2015 certification, which reinforces the Company’s commitment to ensure its products meet the highest environmental standards and mitigate environmental impacts.
Founded in 1953, Pakistan Cables is the premier and most reputable cable manufacturer in Pakistan. Being the only wire and cable manufacturer listed on the PSX since 1955, it is also a member company of the Amir S. Chinoy group. The Company has the largest geographical footprint in Pakistan with a presence in over 200 cities. It is ISO 9001:2015, ISO 45001:2018, ISO 14001: 2015 certified and various types of cables are tested by KEMA, Netherlands.
The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) drives ambitious climate action in the private sector by enabling organizations to set science-based emissions reduction targets. The SBTi is a partnership between CDP, the United Nations Global Compact, World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).