Category: Engineering Bodies

The Pakistan Scientific and Technical Center (PSTC) proudly celebrated its 60th anniversary, commemorating six decades since its establishment on September 6, 1965.

To mark this historic milestone, a grand alumni convention, titled “Diamond Jubilee Celebration,” was organized, bringing together esteemed graduates from the first batch, second batch, and many others.

The event featured a vibrant program where distinguished alumni shared heartfelt memories, reflecting on PSTC’s rich legacy and remarkable journey. Warm congratulatory messages were also received from alumni and well-wishers residing abroad, including from Canada, Bangladesh, and the United Kingdom, who extended their best wishes despite being unable to attend in person.

Adding prestige to the occasion, DG KLC Dr. Hafiz Rub Nawaz graced the celebration as Chief Guest, while the honorable Dr. Yogi Wajahat attended as Guest of Honor. Following the formal program, a delightful dinner allowed participants to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate their shared history in a spirit of joy and togetherness.

The event was meticulously organized under the leadership of Director PSTC Engr. Syed Farhan Hamid Ali, with the support of his dedicated team and distinguished alumnus Mr. Anwar Soorti. Their efforts ensured the evening was a resounding success and a truly memorable celebration.

The Diamond Jubilee Celebration not only honored PSTC’s past achievements but also reinforced its enduring legacy, leaving alumni and guests inspired as the institution looks forward to the future. Published In Oct. 1-15,2025)

The IEEE Microwave Theory and Techniques Society (MTTS) Student Branch, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET), Jamshoro, proudly hosted a thought-provoking research-oriented seminar titled “Battery-Free Wireless Sensing: A Passive Approach” at the Video Conference Hall, IT Building, MUET.

  The keynote speaker, Prof Dr. Valentina Palazzi, from the University of Perugia, Italy, joined us virtually and delivered a compelling session. Her insights into the cutting-edge developments in passive wireless sensing captivated the audience and opened new directions for future research. We were honored by the in-person presence of Dr. Badar Muneer, a prominent researcher at the University of Perugia, Italy, whose practical expertise and collaborative perspective enriched the discussion further.

 Prof. Dr. Bhawani Shankar Chowdhry, Vice Chair of IEEE MTTS, Karachi Section, who joined us virtually from Canada and concluded the session with his encouraging and insightful remarks. Prof Chowdhry appreciated this highly insightful seminar on Battery-Free Wireless Sensing for broadening our perspective and for showing us the exciting future directions in this field. He further said that practical dimensions that enriched today’s discussion and opened new horizons for research, innovation, and collaboration. He appreciated the effort of Dr. Permanand, Chair and Advisor of the IEEE MTTS Student Branch for his dynamic leadership and efforts in making this seminar possible.

 Today’s exchange of knowledge has truly inspired us Prof. Dr. Faisal Karim Shaikh, Chairman of the Department of Telecommunication, MUET, appreciated the efforts of the organizing team and distributed shields of appreciation to the keynote speakers and certificates to participants and volunteers.  

The seminar was further graced by Dr. Umair Ahmed Korai, Chair of IEEE ComSoc, and Engr. Talha Kaimkhani, PhD Scholar at MUET. Over 60 participants attended the seminar, comprising faculty, students, and volunteers, which contributed to a vibrant and engaging academic atmosphere.  
This successful seminar marks another milestone in promoting innovative research and global collaboration under the IEEE MTTS platform.

The Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has conferred the prestigious PEC Engineers’ Excellence Awards 2023, honoring 30 eminent engineers across eight categories for their remarkable contributions to Pakistan’s progress and development.  
The awards ceremony, held in Islamabad, was graced by the Federal Minister for Science and Technology, Khalid Hussain Magsi, who presented the awards to the distinguished engineers. The event was attended by foreign delegates, parliamentarians, bureaucrats, government officials, senior engineers, and prominent figures from diverse walks of life.  
Addressing the ceremony, Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi lauded PEC’s initiative, stating:  
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) for taking this laudable initiative of organizing the PEC Engineers’ Excellence Awards 2023. This prestigious recognition of the exemplary achievements of our eminent engineers, serving in diverse fields, stands as a tribute to their invaluable contributions to the progress and prosperity of our nation. These awards are not only a symbol of personal accomplishment but also a national celebration of dedication, ingenuity, and professional excellence that our engineers consistently demonstrate. PEC, under its dynamic leadership, is setting an inspiring benchmark for the younger generation to follow.”  
The Minister highlighted PEC’s role in national development, digital transformation, and youth engagement. He praised initiatives such as the Smart PEC Drive, Special Programs for Balochistan, PEC Desks in Higher Education Institutions, the Graduate Engineers Training Program (GET), the introduction of Generative AI courses, and the Young Engineers National Forum. He further appreciated PEC’s achievements on the global front, including securing a six-year extension of Pakistan’s membership under the Washington Accord and signing a Mutual Recognition Agreement with China.  
Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman PEC Engr. Waseem Nazir congratulated the awardees and underscored PEC’s pivotal role in advancing engineering education, practice, and global recognition. He remarked:  
“It is indeed a matter of immense pride and pleasure to be among this esteemed gathering of professionals who have significantly contributed to the progress of our beloved country. Today’s ceremony is a tribute to their dedication, innovation, and enduring commitment to national service. PEC continues to serve as a Think Tank to the Federal Government, providing technical input for national policies, while also modernizing the profession through initiatives such as the Smart PEC Digital Drive, Graduate Engineers Training Program, AI-based learning, Pathway-to-Practice desks, and reforms in education and industry.”  
He emphasized PEC’s growing international stature as a mentor to emerging engineering councils globally and reaffirmed PEC’s commitment to youth empowerment, sustainability, and professional excellence.  
The ceremony concluded with the conferment of awards on the following eminent engineers:  
Awardees of PEC Excellence Awards 2023:  
Engr. Muhammad Mazhar Ul Islam, Engr. Dr. Tabassum Zahoor, Engr. Muhammad Abdul Qadir Jhanagir Durrani, Engr. Dr. Tahir Masood, Engr. Amjad Saeed, Engr. Dr. Masroor Ahmed, Engr. Ejaz Hussain, Engr. Prof. Dr. Tauha Hussain Ali, Engr. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abid, Engr. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Tufail, Engr. Prof. Dr. Madad Ali Shah, Engr. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kamran, Engr. Prof. Dr. Osman Hasan, Engr. Syed Nihal Asghar, Engr. Dr. Ajaz Bashir Janjua, Engr. Iftikhar Ahmed, Engr. Hafiz Imtiaz Ahmed, Engr. Dr. Salman Raza Naqvi, Engr. Dr. Muhammad Zakir Shiekh, Engr. Dr. Nasir Mehmood Khan, Engr. Muhammad Raza Chohan, Engr. Syed Nafasat Raza, Engr. Fakhar Un Nisa, Engr. Mushtaq Hussain Dawood, Engr. Fahim Iqbal Siddiqui, Engr. Ahsan Azhar Siddiqui, Engr. Rashid Aziz, Engr. Rashid Ahmed, Engr. Barkatullah Kakar, and Engr. Muhammad Imran Khan Cheema. PR/ER

Now that Independence Day 2025 has passed and the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) postponed the Excellence Awards 2023—meant for engineers with outstanding performance—Chairman Engr. Waseem Nazir once again demonstrated his tendency to trample the decisions of the Governing Body, the supreme body of the institution. His uninterrupted violation of the laws was this time pointed out by Engr. Prof. Dr. Suhail Aftab Qureshi, Vice Chairman Punjab.

Engr. Qureshi, in writing to the members of the Governing Body and raising objection to the Notification of Engineer’s Excellence Award 2023, noted that Dr. Nasir Mehmood Khan, the former Registrar of the Council, has been recommended for the PEC Engineer’s Excellence Award 2023.

His letter reads:

I am writing to express serious concerns regarding PEC’s recently issued notification Ref: PEC/EXC_AW_2023/020 dated 30 July 2025, wherein Dr. Nasir Mehmood Khan has been recommended for the PEC Engineer’s Excellence Award 2023, scheduled for presentation on 14 August 2025, with the note that he was Member/Secretary of the Excellence Award Committee.

It is important to bring to your attention that the Ministry of Science and Technology, through Order No. 1(1)/2018-Misc (Org-I) dated 31 July 2024, has already declared Dr. Nasir’s appointment and subsequent promotion in PEC as illegal. Following this, he was placed under inquiry and sent on forced sick leave, and the Governing Body of PEC also issued a decision recommending his termination.

Despite these established facts and directions from the Ministry and GB, the recommendation for an award to Dr. Nasir appears to be in direct violation of institutional integrity and governance protocols. This situation raises several alarming questions:

Why has the Registrar, being the legal custodian of PEC’s records and governance, facilitated this recommendation when an official ministry order and GB decision exist against Dr. Nasir?

How can an individual with proven misconduct and violations be considered for an award of excellence, which is intended to reflect merit, ethics, and service?

It has come to my notice that this award nomination was influenced by Mr. Khadim Hussain Bhatti, reportedly on the direction of the Chairman, which further raises concerns of procedural manipulation and favoritism.

In view of the above:

 I strongly urge that this decision be reviewed immediately,

 The notification must be withdrawn,

 And necessary action be taken in accordance with the Ministry’s directive and the GB verdict.

Awarding such an individual will not only tarnish the credibility of PEC but also demoralize genuinely deserving professionals across Pakistan.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I trust that PEC will uphold transparency, merit, and the rule of law in all its affairs.

Engr. Qureshi’s letter is not the first of its kind. Before him, Senior Vice Chairman of the Council, Dr. Sarosh Lodhi, had written to the Chairman and warned him against decisions that violated the Act and Bye-laws of the Council.

The Senior Vice Chairman accused Chairman Engr. Waseem Nazir of consistently violating the PEC Act and Bye-laws through unilateral and unauthorized decisions. In a strongly worded letter, the Vice Chairman warned the Chairman that his latest office order dated 28 June 2025—involving the appointment of several officers in the PEC Secretariat—was illegal and issued without the approval of the Governing Body.

According to the letter, this action breaches Clauses 3(A)(1) and 9(1) of the PEC Act 1976 (as amended), and Clause 49 of the PEC Bye-laws 1976, all of which vest executive powers in the Governing Body, not the Chairman alone. The letter further alleges that newly created posts such as Technical Advisor (Operations) and Technical Advisor (Regulation) do not exist within PEC’s legal framework. The Vice Chairman also accused the Chairman of withholding key information from the Governing Body, entering secret agreements, and overriding the 52nd Governing Body meeting. The letter ends with a stern warning to halt these “blatant violations” and avoid further institutional and legal disaster for PEC

The Institution of Engineers Pakistan (IEP) hosted a graceful reception dinner in honor of two distinguished academic appointments: Dr. Mohammad Tufail, the newly appointed Vice Chancellor of NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, and Dr. Sarosh Hashmat Lodhi, who has taken charge as Chairman of the Charter Inspection & Evaluation Committee (CIEC), Sindh Higher Education Commission.  
The ceremony was a well-attended affair, drawing a diverse gathering of engineers from both academia and industry. The event turned into a symbolic celebration of continuity and collaboration in engineering education.

In a rare moment of academic unity, three Vice Chancellors of NED University—the incumbent Dr. Mohammad Tufail, former VCs Dr. Sarosh Lodhi and Dr. Afzal Haque, as well as Dr. Noman Ahmed, who recently served as acting Vice Chancellor—were all present under one roof. Their collective presence reflected the strong institutional legacy and future direction of the university.  
Adding further prestige to the event was the presence of Dr. Valiuddin, Vice Chancellor of UIT University, who also graced the occasion and joined in the dialogue on improving higher education in engineering.  
Speakers from the academic and professional community addressed the challenges facing engineering universities, including curriculum modernization, faculty development, industry collaboration, and global competitiveness. There was a shared emphasis on the need to make NED University a more vibrant, research-driven, and innovation-oriented institution.  
Dr. Sarosh Lodhi, reflecting on his tenure as Vice Chancellor, offered heartfelt advice to Dr. Tufail. Drawing from his experiences, he highlighted the importance of visionary leadership, academic integrity, and stakeholder engagement in taking the university to new heights.  
The evening concluded on a note of optimism and shared responsibility, with attendees expressing hope that such academic collaborations would continue to shape the future of engineering education in Pakistan. – ER Report

The ‘Bhurban Moot’ of the Governing Body of the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) wrote a brand-new story on how a PEC chairman compromised his self-respect and the fundamental interests of engineers because of his exclusionist style of leadership, and how he was besieged by members of the Governing Body of the council.  
The story stood far from completion at that scenic place near Murree; it entered the next episode at Ramada Hotel and turned out bigger than Bhurban.

 
The 52nd GB meeting held at Ramada Hotel Islamabad on June 27 left nothing for the chairman but to walk away from the meeting in sheer disappointment after failing to defend what the members call his unilateral steps during his almost one-year rule. Although no one allowed him to leave the meeting hall, the members, including many from his allies, kept on insisting that the council should be run in line with the Act and Bylaws.  
The ironic aspect of the council’s one-year odyssey under Engr. Waseem Nazir is that the overwhelming majority of the 64-member GB has come to the conclusion that he, rather than learning the proper functioning of the council as per its Act and Bylaws and adopting an inclusive approach, is bent upon imposing one-man rule. As a result, his so-called reform is in shambles as he continues to influence the GB so that he alone may be allowed to make decisions.  
Interestingly, at least three vice chancellors and a host of senior members failed to convince the chairman to adopt an institutional approach to make decisions on significant issues concerning the very future of the council and the engineering fraternity in Pakistan. The most recent example is his move to register technologists with engineers under the PEC umbrella. However, the issue relating to the Registrar of the council remained at the forefront in this meeting.  
The Islamabad meeting of the GB witnessed some serious violations on the part of the chairman, a GB member believes. For instance, he revealed the chairman was adamant to grab a nod for him to decide on the fate of the PEC registrar Dr. Nasir Mehmood, who was alleged to have tampered with the minutes of the 49th meeting of the GB.  
An Inquiry Panel, comprised of GB members, has recently confirmed violations in PEC meeting proceedings and decisions and concluded that the registrar’s elevation, ADR payments, and GB elections breached original decisions of the 49th Governing Body meeting.  
This meeting, said another member, was due to take the proceedings further on the findings of the panel, and the GB was also supposed to give the charge of the office of the registrar to the most senior officer in the council. Dr. Mehmood, sensing the situation, went on a one-month (presumably forced) leave. ‘Instead of adopting due course, the chairman refused to name a replacement for the office of the registrar and insisted that he should be left to make such a decision,’ he said.  
Yet another weird part of the moot started unfolding when the chairman opened, at the start of the meeting, a sealed envelope containing the leave application of Dr. Mehmood, who, according to him, was undergoing serious health problems and thus unable to attend the meeting. ‘Wasn’t it funny that the chairman brought the application into the house rather than approving it as the chief of the council?’ asked numerous members in the meeting hall. Many members suspect the chairman was attempting to gather sympathies for the registrar, a member said.  

Engineering Review’s interactions with a variety of stakeholders in the council unearthed that the argument between the chairman and the members, mostly from the TEP and NEA, went on for around 5 hours and no side budged from their positions. In the course of a highly heated debate, Engr. Salih Rind, a TEP-supported member, led the onslaught against the chairman this time. He was aided by his other colleagues, including Engr. Ameer Zamir and Engr. Pardeep Kumar. A notable part of this episode is that the GB members from NEA, one of Engr. Nazir’s allies, including Dr. Aneel Kumar and Engr. Abid Shah, also joined forces with Engr. Salih and his supporters. Even at one point, two vice chancellors, Dr. Sarosh Lodi and Dr. Samreen Hussain, also tried to convince the chairman to take an inclusive approach on the issue of the registrar as well as the registration of technologists in the council.  
‘There was no specific plan to push the chairman into a corner. Since he was adamant to stick to his authoritarian approach, members from all sides tried to convince him, but he refused,’ a member suggested.  
After a long debate and trading of allegations between the chairman and TEP+NEA members, the meeting constituted a five-member committee to further investigate the issues relating to the promotion of Dr. Nasir Mehmood, ADR payments, and GB elections that breached the original decisions of the 49th Governing Body meeting. The committee will come up with the report within a month.  
The committee comprises Dr. Qaiser Ali, Dr. Samreen Hussain, Dr. Hafsa Jamshaid, Dr. Masood, and Dr. Riffat Hassan.  
Moreover, the meeting deferred two issues till the next meeting. They included: progress on integration of the technology stream under the PEC umbrella and adoption/implementation of the pension scheme for regular employees of PEC.