MESSAGE FROM CHAIRMAN PEC, ENGR DR. MUHAMMAD AKRAM SHEIKH

This Newsletter is appearing after almost three years. During all this time the Interim Executive Committee has taken pains to place the Council back on rails. The Council has now started functioning under the Governing Body. In accordance with the vision and kind directions of the President and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, PEC shall henceforth act as a key driving force for attaining and achieving a rapid and sustainable growth in national, economic and social fields and shall act as ‘Think Tank’ for the Government on all professional engineering matters. A more meaningful step has been taken to regulate the engineering profession in totality i.e. by taking the other tiers of engineering like technologists and technicians in its fold. The Council shall encourage learned societies and associations of engineers in the country to play a more proactive role and effectively contribute towards their professional development. Engineers in times to come are envisaged to play a more dominant role in the progress of the country if they are to be the catalysts of rapid and sustainable development. For engineers to play that role effectively as natural leaders, I shall emphasize on two aspects. Firstly dedication and commitment to the profession and through it they must distinguish themselves and stand out in the eyes of the nation and evince/command respect; Secondly, they must act together like a ‘twined rope’ whose individual strands have little value but combined it has strength. It is my conviction that if we follow these principles and the prescribed code of ethics and conduct we shall carve out a place for ourselves in the society and a respectable and distinguished future whereby welfare and other benefits shall be a by-product. Let us serve the country through knowledge, enlightened approach, technical supremacy and dedication to help the country attain its rightful place in the comity of nations.

Overview Pakistan Engineering Council is a statutory body established in 1976 under PEC Act, 1976 for regulating the profession of engineering in Pakistan. The Council is composed of all registered engineers. Initially, it was managed by a small Executive Committee headed by a Chairman with members nominated from engineering universities and Federal and Provincial Governments. Later on, the membership of the Executive Committee was enhanced to include vice chancellors of engineering universities and 50 elected members thus increasing the total number to about 70. The Council discharges its obligations based on various committees of which the Enrolment Committee is an enacted committee while the remaining are formed by the Executive Committee through a consensus. The Rules of Business and Objectives of each committee have been framed. The Executive Committee of the Council has the authority to frame bye-laws or rules with prior approval of the Government of Pakistan. As a regulatory body the Council has been updating these rules to meet the changing needs of time. The main rules framed so far pertain to:- � Management of the routine activities of the Council. � Registration of engineers and consultants. � Practice of consultants. � Procurement of works � Regulations for construction and operation of engineering works. � Accreditation of engineering education.

The Council functioned normally under the PEC Act, 1976 until, in November 2002, on certain complaints and ascertainments, the Government of Pakistan (Ministry of Water and Power) decided to supersede the then existing Executive Committee. Thus an interim Executive Committee comprising of a Chairman, Vice Chairman and 22 members was established to restructure the Council. In March 2004, Chairman PEC, Engr. Dr. M. Akram Sheikh proposed a new vision and composition of the Council in his presentation to the President of Pakistan which was approved. Based on this approval, the PEC Amendment Ordinance No. IV of 2004 was promulgated on 24th November 2004. The Ministry of Water and Power has forwarded a case to the National Assembly for enactment. Salient Features of the Amendment Ordinance

• The council has been given a clear vision, mission and objective.

Vision The engineering profession shall function as a key driving force to achieve rapid and sustainable growth in all national, economic and social fields. Mission To set and maintain realistic and internationally relevant standards of professional competence and ethics for engineers, technologists and technicians, and license engineers, technologists, technicians and engineering institutions to competently and professionally promote and uphold the standards.

Objective The Council, managed by distinguished engineers covering the entire spectrum of engineering disciplines, shall function as an apex body to encourage and promote the pursuit of excellence in engineering profession and to regulate the quality of engineering education and the practice of engineering and technology and thereby promote rapid growth in economic and social fields in Pakistan.

• The composition of the erstwhile Executive Committee has been revised. The new Governing

Body comprising of about 60 members (including 15 elected members) shall include representatives from all segments of engineering profession.

• Some additional functions of the Council have been added.

• The process of accreditation and withdrawal of accreditation of engineering programmes has been

defined.

• The registration of technologists and technicians by the PEC has been included in the Act.

• It has been decided that a fresh graduate engineer shall be registered with the PEC as a “Registered Engineer” and shall be eligible to become a “Professional Engineer” after 5 years of practice of the profession in relevant discipline.

Composition of the PEC Governing Body The PEC Governing Body shall be the principal executive authority of the Council for supervising and governing the affairs and functions assigned to the Council by or under the Act and bye-laws. The Governing Body shall be composed of the following:-

• The Chairman and Vice Chairman who shall also be the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Governing Body.

• The Registrar.

• Two distinguished professional engineers to be nominated by the Federal Government including

one from Azad Jamu & Kashmir.

• One distinguished professional engineer to be nominated by each Provincial Government.

• All Vice Chancellors or equivalent office holders of engineering universities or equivalent institutions, howsoever named.

• Engineer-in-Chief, Pakistan Army.

• Nominees from the following Ministries or Organizations of the Federal Government, not below

the rank of Joint Secretary :-

� Planning Commission � Ministry of Water and Power � Higher Education Commission � Engineering Development Board

� Ministry of Science and Technology � Chairman / Member Technical from strategic institutions

(PAEC, NESCOM and KRL)

• Chairmen / Heads / Senior nominees of such engineering organizations that employ more than 500 engineers and as notified by the Council.

• Elected members including Presidents / Chairmen, being professional engineers and technologists

of not less than 20 years of professional standing of the following bodies registered with the Council:-

� Association of Consulting Engineers (Pakistan) � All Pakistan Contractors Association or the nominee � Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (or nominee) � Institution of Engineers, Pakistan � Institution of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Pakistan � Institute of Chemical Engineers, Pakistan � Institute of Metallurgical and Material Engineers, Pakistan � Institute of Mining Engineers, Pakistan � Pakistan Engineering Congress � Any other professional body registered or licensed as such by the Council (e.g.

disciplines like Mechanical, Aeronautical, Marine and Telecommunication Engineering, etc.)

• Fifteen members (Punjab-6, Sindh-4, NWFP-3, Balochistan-2) to be elected in the prescribed

manner by professional engineers whose names are borne on the Register on the 30th June of the year in which the elections to the Governing Body are to be held.

• Four Members nominated by the Council, from the private sector.

Additional Functions of PEC The following additional functions have been added through the Amendment in PEC Act.

• Assistance to the Federal Government as “Think Tank”.

• Promotion of engineering profession in totality.

• Encouragement, facilitation and regulation of working of professional engineering bodies as learned societies for creativity and as custodians of technology under the umbrella of the Council.

• Ensuring and managing of continued professional development through engineering academies

and professional bodies.

• Establishing standards for engineering products and services.

• Facilitating engineering sector industries.

• Acting as a bridge between various engineering forums and the Federal Government.

PEC Elections 2005 According to the Provisions of the Amendment Ordinance No. IV of 2004 and amended PEC bye-laws 1987, elections to 15 seats of the PEC Governing Body were completed on 4th March 2004. The names of successful candidates were published in leading daily newspapers. Formation and Meeting of PEC Governing Body When nominations of the members of the Governing Body were received from various offices and agencies and names of elected members were promulgated, the first meeting of the newly composed Governing Body was held on 30th March 2005. During the meeting, all the members unanimously reposed confidence in the Chairman PEC, Engr. Dr. M. Akram Sheikh, and conceded the new vision, mission and objectives of the Council. In addition, new committees were formed in the meeting for the resumption of the routine functioning of the Council. Functioning of the Council since November, 2004 - Highlights PEC as Think Tank According to the additional functions of PEC outlined in the Amendment Ordinance, PEC is to act as Think Tank with the explicit objective of assisting / advising the Government of Pakistan on issues related to the engineering profession. The following studies have been undertaken in the recent past and recommendations made:-

• National Water Policy

The Honorable Minister for Water and Power desired that the PEC Think Tank should study a report on “National Water Policy” prepared by the consultants M/s. Halcrow and ACE and endorse its views on it. A group of experts headed by Engineer Shams-ul-Mulk prepared a comprehensive draft and submitted it to the Ministry of Water and Power.

• Sukkur Barrage

In January 2004, there were reports about likely damage to Sukkar Barrage. PEC was directed by the President of Pakistan’s Secretariat to study the issue. A team of expert engineers, headed by Dr. Muhammad Akram Sheikh, Chairman PEC, carried out hydraulic, geotechnical and structural analysis of the barrage. The team recommended certain repair works to be undertaken on priority. The recommendations were accepted and the rehabilitation work of the barrage has been completed. The team members are as follows:- � Engineer in Chief, Pakistan Army � Engr. Riaz Ahmed Khan, Special Secretary (W&P) / Vice Chairman PEC � Engr. Ahmed Khan Bhatti � Engr. Muhammad Idris Rajput � Engr. Muhammad Akhtar � Engr. Khadim Ali Memon

� Brig. Dr. Salik Javed � Brig. Dr. Gulfam

• Study on Maximizing Employment Opportunities in Engineering Sector

To overcome the unemployment of engineers in Pakistan, PEC is making efforts to :-

� Create more job opportunities. � Lift the ban on fresh appointments. � Provide training facilities for fresh engineers. � Create a liaison among industry, universities and departments. � Strictly implement the PEC Act regarding the employment of only professional engineers

against engineering jobs.

A committee headed by Engr. Sikandar M. Khan, Chairman Millat Tractor Ltd. is preparing a master plan to explore and enhance employment opportunities in the engineering sector.

• Construction of Dam on River Kabul

The proposed “Kama Project” on river Kabul included a dam, weir, irrigation canal system and power generation facilities on river Konar. It was estimated that “Kama Project” would reduce inflow to Warsak by 6% - a total reduction of about 0.128 MAF. A committee headed by Engr. Abdur Rahim Mahsud (Late) was constituted to evaluate the repercussions of the project and formulate recommendations for the government. The recommendations of the committee were sent to the Ministry of Water and Power. The committee members are as follows:-

� Engr. Muhammad Amin, Member Water (WAPDA) � Engr. Aman Gul Khattak, Chief Engineer Irrigation (NWFP) � Maj. Gen. Jamil ur Rehman, Surveyor General of Pakistan � Brig. Dr. Muhammad Jamil, E-in-C’s Branch, GHQ � Engr. Sabir Ali Bhatti, Water Resources Specialist � Dr. M. Akram Kahloon, Chairman Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources

• Study on Power Losses

WAPDA and KESC are experiencing serious losses/slippages in electric power distribution and transmission system, which is adversely affecting the economy of the country. The Planning Commission asked PEC to carry out a professional analysis of the issue. A group of experts, convened by Engr. Habib Ullah Khan, has completed the study and the report has been forwarded to the Planning Commission. The group comprised of the flowing members:-

� Engr. Habib Ullah Khan, Former Member Power (WAPDA) � Engr. Muhammad Younis Khan Marwat � Engr. Muhammad Nazir Shaikh, SE, HESCO (WAPDA) � Rana Ejaz Ahmad (Retd.), SE (Ops) WAPDA � Khawaja Manzoor Ahmad, SE / Technical Director IESCO (WAPDA) � Mr. Abdul Hayee Agha, SE (WAPDA) Quetta � Mr. Shabbir Khattak, CE, KESC � Engr. Ch. Safdar Hussain

• Pakistan National Standards

A team of expert engineers, convened by Engr. Pervez Butt, Chairman Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC), is conducting studies and carrying out deliberations on establishing standards for engineering products and services.

Conferences, Seminars and Lectures

• Seminar on Housing and Construction Sector

Pakistan, since its inception, has been struggling to house its less privileged class. The situation has aggravated due to population growth and urbanization. To address this problem, PEC recognized the need to reconsider the existing National Housing Policy covering all the core issues pertaining to land, finance, construction, service sector, low cost and rural housing, building materials, infrastructure development etc. Therefore, a national seminar in concert with the Ministry of Housing and Works was organized in September 2004 in which the following recommendations were formulated:-

� Incentive given in the National Housing Policy 2001 should be passed on to the users. � A mechanism should be activated to implement Federal / Provincial policies. � The preparation of Master / Structure Plan ought to be made mandatory as per policy. � Policy regarding Katchi Abadi should be approved and implemented.

• Seminar on Road Safety

PEC and National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) arranged an international seminar at NUST, Rawalpindi to address the issue of road safety and to identify measures to minimize accidents. The following conclusions were drawn at the end:-

� A Task Force should be created to coordinate efforts of the government, enforcement /

regulating organizations and the users. � There is a need for strict legislation regarding training of drivers, driving hours, vehicle

fitness and extra load carriage. � An effective media campaign is an important tool to spread awareness among the masses. � An easily accessible database covering all accident related aspects should be developed.

• Lecture on Polymer Reinforced Concrete

Intelligent Sensing and Innovative Structures (ISIS) is a research network sponsored by Natural Sciences and Engineering research of Canada. Use of Fiber Reinforced Polymers is an ISIS related topic. On 22nd December 2004, Pakistan Engineering Council organized a lecture at HQ PEC to share the latest knowledge on this new development in the subject of structures. The lecture, attended by a large number of engineers, was delivered by Prof. Dr. Shamim A. Sheikh, University of Toronto, Canada.

• Workshop on PEC documents

A two day National workshop on PEC contract documents was held at PC Hotel Karachi on 11th and 12th October, 2004. This workshop, inaugurated by Engr. Dr. Muhammad Akram Sheikh, Deputy Chairman Planning Commission and Chairman PEC, was second in the series, the first being held in December 2002. It was organized by HQ PEC Islamabad, in coordination with branch office Karachi, to facilitate the Public, Private, National and Multinational organizations of Sindh and Baluchistan provinces.The primary objectives of the workshop were:-

� To train the users of contract / bidding documents. � To encourage Public and Private Sector interaction to enhance transparency in bidding

procedures by adopting PEC contract documents format.

Dr. M. A. Sheikh addressing the gathering at the National Workshop on PEC Contract Documents

• Workshop at Election Commission of Pakistan

On 26th February 2005, PEC scheduled polling in eight different districts to elect fifteen members of the Governing Body. Prior to the conduction of elections, a workshop was arranged at the Federal Election Academy of Election Commission of Pakistan to impart training to the Council officials and staff responsible for the supervision of the elections. Mr. K.M. Dilshad, Secretary Election Commission, welcomed the participants and hoped that the workshop would prove beneficial to the Council in the conduction of the elections in an orderly and transparent manner.

PEC Awards and Scholarships To encourage competition among young engineers, sharpen their professional acumen and enhance their interaction with PEC, Chairman PEC has decided to institute the following awards:-

• PEC Graduate Engineer of the Year

The award shall be presented annually to the overall best and second best graduate engineers. A Gold Medal along with a cash award of Rs. 60,000/- and a Silver Medal accompanied by a cash prize of Rs. 30,000/- shall be awarded during the PEC Annual General Meeting to the best and second best engineer, respectively. The criteria and procedure for assessment and judgment has been laid down.

• Engineer PEC Magazine

A quarterly magazine shall be published by PEC containing articles contributed by registered engineers of all disciplines. The authors of the published articles shall be awarded cash prizes ranging from Rs. 5,000/- to Rs. 25,000/- depending upon the quality of contents of the articles. The evaluation shall be carried out by a panel of members nominated by the Chairman PEC.

• PEC Scholarship

A scholarship scheme to aid deserving engineers desirous of attaining a Master’s Degree in engineering education is under consideration. The scheme envisages two scholarships per year which shall be approved based on an application submitted by engineers registered with PEC. The scholarship shall provide financial support of a maximum of Rs. 1,50,000/- to help a student complete his MSc. in Pakistan.

PEC Building at Quetta PEC Regional Office was established at Quetta on 7th September 1995, in a 2 room building of Irrigation and Power Department. A plot for the construction of a building for Quetta Office was purchased in November 2000, on main Samugali Road Quetta, an area where the main offices of Provincial and Federal Departments are situated. Construction of the office starting 2 years ago at an expenditure of Rs. 4,753,190/- has been completed and the building is currently functional.

PEC as a Statutory Body

• PEC Contract Documents

To regulate the procurement of engineering services and works, PEC has developed its own country specific contract documents, guidelines for their use, and other similar publications for BOT, BOOT, price adjustment formula, reconciliation, arbitration etc. The six PEC bidding documents have been adopted by the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) and are displayed on their website. A number of workshops have also been arranged to train the users of these documents. The next such workshop is scheduled to be held in Quetta in November 2005.

• Amendments in Bye-Laws for Consultancy Services and Construction and Operation of Works

In order to keep pace with the latest trends, policies and developments, appropriate changes have been incorporated in the PEC bye-laws to encourage foreign investment, introduce modern techniques and technology, and enhance employment opportunities for local engineers. Certain measures to regulate the local construction industry and improve the process of registration of constructors and operators have also been instituted. The bye-laws are currently under review to keep them in line with national and international changes introduced by WTO, challenges and expansion of national economy etc.

. • Amendments in Regulation of Engineering Education

To keep in step with rapid changes in the field of engineering education, relevant changes have been made in the regulations. Moreover, the documents used for accreditation are constantly being reviewed. The process of accreditation has been further streamlined in concert with HEC and a consultant from USA, Dr. Theodore Albert Bickart.

Chairman PEC presenting souvenir to Dr. Bickart on 29th March 2005

PEC IT department

• PEC’s New Website www.pec.org.pk PEC has updated its website and has incorporated a number of dynamic and interactive features in it. Online data of PEC registered engineers, consulting engineers, constructors and operators is available on the site. Members can logon to view their profiles online and can also interact with PEC via e-mail. The website also provides the latest information about PEC activities and other related facilities.

• e-Library

An e-library has been established at HQ PEC to facilitate access to the following international digital libraries.

� Bentham Science Journals Online � Blackwell Synergy � EbSCOhost � Mary Ann Liebert Inc. � Oxford University Press � Royal Society of Chemistry � Springer Link � Palgrave Macmillan

Engineers visiting the PEC website can benefit from the engineering publications and journals available on these online resources.

• Implementation of New Software Package

A new software package has been installed at HQ PEC containing latest features like Registration Module, HR and Payroll Modules, Finance Module and Security Module. The software is being used to facilitate the working of the Council’s HQ as a Local Area Network (LAN).

• Future Goals

� Online payment of fee for the registration of members through the PEC website. � WAN setup between HQ PEC and branch offices. � Access to the universities for online verification of an engineer’s particulars. � Establishment of a chat room for professional engineers and registered members to

facilitate the sharing of views and knowledge. � Introduction of video conferencing facility at PEC offices to ensure maximum

participation of members all over the country.

In Memory Of Engr. A. M. Akhoond, Founding Chairman PEC PEC sincerely regrets the passing of the founding Chairman of PEC, Mr. A. M. Akhoond. He was born in Sahn, a small village of Sindh, in 1914. He graduated in 1937 from N.E.D. Engineering College, Karachi, securing first position in Civil Engineering. He was declared successful in the All India Competitive Examination held in Delhi and joined the North West Railways in 1938. He held numerous positions in Pakistan Railways including those of Chief Engineer, Vice Chairman, Chairman and ex-officio Secretary to the Government of Pakistan. In recognition of his outstanding services in Pakistan Railways during the 1965 and 1970 wars with India, he was awarded the highest civil awards of Sitara-e-Quaid-e-Azam and Sitara-e-Khidmat by the then Presidents of Pakistan. During his illustrious engineering career spanning 66 years, Mr. A. M. Akhoond held a number of offices. He was elected President of the Engineering Congress in 1964-65 and of the Institution of Engineers in 1967-68. He was appointed as the first Chairman of PEC by the Prime Minister of Pakistan and he got the PEC Act approved by the Parliament. He was nominated as the Member Syndicated of UET Lahore and he also served as a member of the committee formed by the Government of Pakistan to analyze the problems of engineers in Pakistan. In addition, he was appointed as the first Vice Chancellor of the N.E.D. University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, in 1977. To acknowledge a lifetime of commitment and dedication to the engineering profession in general and the Institution of Engineers in particular, he was awarded the “Life Time Achievement award”. He was also honored with Sitara-e-Imtiaz by the President of Pakistan for his dedicated contributions to engineering education. Engr. A. M. Akhoond breathed his last on 12th April 2004. May his soul rest in eternal peace. In Memory Of Engr. Abdur Rahim Mahsud

PEC deeply condoles the sad demise of Engr. Abdur Rahim Mahsud on 6th September 2005. Born on 11th August 1983, Mr. Mahsud graduated from Punjab University in 1953 with a degree in Civil Engineering. He completed his M.Sc. Engineering from Southampton, United Kingdom, in Civil Engineering subjects including Econometrics and Agriculture. During his long distinguished career in engineering that began in 1954 when he joined Irrigation Department NWFP, Mr. Mahsud has held a number of important offices and positions. From 1983 to 1984 he held the office of Chairman, Pakistan Industrial Development Corporation. He was Secretary to Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Housing and works and Environment and Urban Affairs Division from 1984 to 1987. From 1987 to 1991, he held the post of Secretary to Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Water and Power and remained Chairman, National Engineering Services Pakistan ( Pvt ) Limited. In addition, he held the office of Chairman Privatization Commission (Power Sector) from 1992 to 1993. He also served as a member of the Executive Committee of Pakistan Engineering Council. Mr. Mahsud will always be remembered and honoured for the invaluable and dedicated services he rendered for the prosperity of engineering profession in Pakistan. May Allah rest his soul in peace and grant him a place in the Holy Paradise.