Contents
§ Introduction
§ Engr Senator Rukhsana Zuberi nominated as a Chairman PEC
§ Engr Dr. M. Akram Sheikh retired from the seat of Chairman PEC
§ Visit of MNA’s and Senators to PEC
§ Think Tank Committee Meeting
§ Meeting with Representatives of KESC and major companies at IEP Karachi for supplementing electric power to reduce shortfall
§ Presentation on “Power Crises in Karachi”
§ Press Conference by Chairperson PEC on Enhanced Role of PEC as Think Tank
§ 3rd Governing Body meeting
§ Meeting of Conveners/Senior Members of PEC Committees
§ Meeting of PEC Act & Byelaws Committee
§ PEC Standard Bidding/Contract Documents-Option of Insurance Bond for Bid Security and Performance Security
§ 2nd Meeting of Working Group for Accreditation/Registration of Technologists and Technicians
§ 1st Meeting of PEC Sub-Committee for Formulation of Guidelines/ Regulations for Career Planning and Development of Engineers, Technologists and Technicians
§ Meeting regarding Settlement of Price Adjustment Issue of ERRA’s Contractors
§ 1st meeting of PEC Construction Industry Regulation Committee (CIRC)
§ General Assembly Meeting of NABEEA (Network of Accreditation Bodies for Engineering Education in Asia)
§ Short Courses / Workshop:
· Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
· Network Security Systems
· Workshop on PEC Bidding / Contract Documents at Gilgit
Introduction
In the present revolutionary age, the world is relying increasingly on technology for economic growth and job development and a significant amount of technology investment is endorsed to promote international economic competitiveness. Within this technological context, engineers play a significant role in developing new products, managing energy, transportation and communications systems, preventing new and redressing old environmental problems and, in general, making technology work. Through these activities, engineers create a huge potential for the private sector to develop national wealth owing to the fact that a nation with the best engineering talent is in possession of the core ingredient of comparative economic and industrial advantage. Since 1976, Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has been striving to enhance the practice of engineering in Pakistan and promote the common interests and unity of Pakistani engineers for the betterment of their social and economic status. It endeavors to be recognized by the public, national and international organizations as a respected and valuable source of advice and guidance on the policies, interests and concerns related to engineering profession. PEC brings together professional engineers, academicians and research workers to provide a vast array of technical, professional and supporting services to the Government and industry and help choose appropriate policy options that address the most critical issues affecting the country.
Engr Senator Rukhsana Zuberi nominated as a Chairman PEC
Engr Senator Rukhsana Zuberi was appointed Chairman Pakistan Engineering Council PEC on 11th August 2008 for a term of three years. She was nominated by the Federal Government in accordance with PEC Act & byelaws.
Engr Senator Rukhsana Zuberi graduated from NED University in 1970 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. She has remained a dynamic member of the Council and has served on a number of its committees. She has a rich experience of engineering profession mostly in private sector. She is also a senator in the current tenure of the Senate of Government of Pakistan. Her keen participation in multifarious committees at Government level reflects her dedication and untiring efforts for welfare of the citizens of Pakistan. A few of the committees she has served on are listed below:-
§ Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production
§ Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Resources
§ Finance Committee
§ Standing Committee on Women Development
§ Standing Committee on Information Technology
§ Policy Planning Committee
§ Economic Coordination Committee
§ Overseas Committee
§ Foreign Liaison Committee
Achievements
§ Elected President Women Karachi East
§ Member Karachi Committee
§ Member Federal Council
§ Member Provincial Assembly Sindh
Engr Dr. M. Akram Sheikh retired from the seat of Chairman PEC
Engr. Dr. M. Akram Sheikh retired as Chairman PEC on 15th June 2008, after turning 65 which is the maximum age limit to serve the office as per Act & Byelaws of PEC.
He took over position on 21st November 2002. In his tenure the Council was given a new direction in line with international standards of engineering profession. His vision gave PEC the potential to play a proactive role by effectively contributing towards the professional development of Pakistani engineers and the progress of the country. He endeavored to render PEC capable of taking over the task of acting as a ‘Think Tank’ on all professional engineering matters for the Government of Pakistan.
He laid great emphasis on the responsibility of engineers to serve the country through knowledge, enlightened approach, technical supremacy and dedication to help the country to attain its rightful place in the comity of nations.
Visit of MNAs and Senators to PEC
The new Chairperson Engr Senator Rukhsana Zuberi, accompanied by a group of MNAs and Senators visited PEC on 27th August 2008, to attend a talk on “Renewable sources of Energy” by Dr. Pervez Akhtar (D.G. Pakistan Council of Renewable Energy Technologies-PCRET). Keeping in view the current energy crisis in Pakistan, he highlighted the significance of various sources of renewal able energy like Solar, Hydro, Wind, Biogas and demonstrated some pilot projects based on these sources which are successfully implemented mostly in rural areas of the country. He emphasized the need for capacity building, small scale production and technology dissemination/market development in all areas of energy.
The participants showed keen interest and appreciated the presentation. DG PCRET was asked to give the proposals a shape of a complete package with cost estimations so that funds could be allocated by the Government, implementation process expedited and dependency on the main source of electricity minimized.
Think Tank Committee Meeting
The 1st meeting of PEC Think Tank Committee was convened by Engr. Senator Rukhsana Zuberi, Chairperson PEC, on 26th August 2008 in HQ PEC, Islamabad. The committee discussed various ways PEC could assist the government in formulation of correct policy on engineering related matters. Pakistan’s energy crisis and necessary measures to bail out the country from the situation was focused upon. The members also enumerated the areas of strength and weakness in engineering community in the country and exhorted engineers to work as a team for the benefit of the country and community. The committee decided to form six ‘Think Tank’ subcommittees on various aspects as under:
- Energy
- Water
- Construction & Infrastructure
- Telecommunication
- Manufacturing
- Engineering Education
Meeting with Representatives of KESC and major companies at IEP Karachi for supplementing electric power to reduce shortfall
Engr. Senator Rukhsana Zuberi, Chairperson PEC, convened a meeting in IEP office in Karachi on 10th September 2008 with representatives of KESC, IEEE, FPCC, SSGC, PSO and PEC to devise immediate short/long term measures to address the acute shortage of electricity in Karachi since it is seriously affecting the industry and national economy. KESC management was urged to improve its infrastructure to tide over this dire situation. A comprehensive report has been prepared by PEC and solid recommendations will be forwarded to the Government for implementation in due course.
Presentation on “Power Crises in Karachi”
A presentation on the issue of “Power Crisis in Karachi” was given by Engr G.R. Bhatti on 19th September 2008 at HQ PEC Islamabad in which he emphasized the intensity of the issue which is seriously affecting people’s lives and the economic activities of the city. The current state of Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC), the main source of electricity, was highlighted. Apparently, KESC has failed to meet the urgent requirement of electricity ever since its privatization chiefly owing to the failure of the owners of KESC to inject about $400 million for the improvement of its generation, transmission & distribution systems etc and it’s non professional/poor management. The speaker urged the Government to intervene and save the situation from worsening.
Press Conference by Chairperson PEC on Enhanced Role of PEC as Think Tank
Engr. Senator Rukhsana Zuberi, Chairperson PEC, held a press conference on 9th October 2008 in HQ PEC, Islamabad to project PEC’s role as a Think Tank assisting the Government on major engineering related issues like water, energy, telecommunication, construction and infrastructure and engineering education. PEC’s effort to formulate various committees composed of eminent and experienced engineers from relevant disciplines to address various engineering linked problems was lauded.
3rd Governing Body meeting
3rd Governing Body meeting was held on 10th July 2008 at HQ PEC, Islamabad. The house elected Engr. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Akhtar as Chairman for the meeting since Chairman and Vice Chairman, PEC had not been appointed by then. The significant issues discussed are as follows:
1. The members voiced their concern about the nomination of panel for Vice Chairman and formation of committees. It was pointed out that the panel be reconsidered in view of the fact that the Government had so far not taken a decision. After deliberations the following committee was constituted to forward three nominations for Vice Chairman, PEC to the Government:
(1) Engr. Mahmood A. Sulehri (Convener)
(2) Engr. Amanullah Hanif
(3) Engr. Ghulam Usman Babai
(4) Engr. M. Akbar Sheikh
(5) Engr. M. Anwar Khalid
None of the above members shall be nominated for the appointment of Vice Chairman.
2. The problem of registration of engineering graduates passing out from unaccredited universities/institutions was discussed at length and the following decisions taken:
(1) In order to consider/reconsider the cases of engineering graduates of certain programmes which were not accredited when the students qualified, the following procedure shall be adopted:-
a. The parent university/college which ran a specific programme shall apply to HQ PEC on normal AC-1 form accompanied by fee, details of the course(s) and a formal invitation to PEC for a visit.
b. HQ PEC shall detail a visitation team of relevant experts to verify the facts on ground/records available in the institution and ascertain/determine shortfalls/weakness, if any, and put up report to the PEC Accreditation Committee (EA&QEC) for consideration.
c. If the EA&QEC concludes that the programme visited contains deficiencies in terms of theoretical knowledge/course work and/or supporting practical/laboratory work the Committee may advise the institution to make up for such deficiencies.
d. Comprehensive examination of such graduates shall be conducted under the aegis of parent institution. The question paper(s) for theory and/or practical examination shall be prepared by an external examiner(s) specified by HQ PEC and a representative of PEC EA&QEC shall be present during the conduct of such examination, for any clarifications on the question paper/examination etc.
e. The detailed mechanism for the above shall be spelt out by HQ PEC separately.
f. The whole activity i.e. receipt of AC-1 form in HQ PEC and final registration may be completed within a maximum period of one year to avoid loss of time for the student/graduate engineer.
g. The above mode shall be scrutinized by an eminent legal advisor appointed by Convener EA&QEC and Registrar, PEC.
(2) In order to stem recurrence following actions shall be taken:-
a. HQ PEC shall write to the Chancellors of the Universities to persuade the institutions to obtain a No Objection Certificate from PEC before initiating an engineering programme.
b. HQ PEC shall also write to Vice Chancellors of Universities to adhere to PEC instructions regarding the scope/intake of students of any engineering programme.
c. HQ PEC shall inform the general public through print and electronic media to enable them to seek admission in accredited programmes only. This shall also be prominently reflected on PEC website www.pec.org.pk.
d. As a long term measure PEC shall consider to amend the Act and regulations for introducing flexibility for implementation of the process of accreditation.
3. The Chair decided that in order to avoid delays in the process of registration of engineering graduates with PEC, the minutes of the EA&QEC may be approved by the Chairman PEC for accreditation of a programme for making it a part of the First Schedule of PEC Act 1976. The minutes shall be placed before the subsequent Governing Body meeting for confirmation/directions.
Meeting of Conveners/Senior Members of PEC Committees
The meeting of conveners/senior members of PEC Committees, chaired by Engr. Imtiaz Hussain Gillani, was held on 3rd July 2008 at HQ PEC, Islamabad. The discussion focused on Convener EA&QEC‘s view that the minutes of 53rd EA&QEC meeting be approved by Chairman, PEC without submission to the PEC Governing Body for approval. Convener EA&QEC was of the opinion that the PEC Act could be interpreted to allow this, considering the urgency of finalizing the process of accreditation and issuance of SRO to enable PEC to carryout registration of graduates who are eager to seek employment. After deliberation it was agreed that existing rules regarding finalization of decisions on accreditation need to be reconsidered since the scope of accreditation had magnified and the process had become more elaborate and time consuming.
After deliberations, the following recommendations were made:
(a) As a short term measure Chairman, PEC may be authorized by the Governing Body to approve the minutes of EA&QEC meeting for publishing SRO. The minutes, however, be put up to the Governing Body in succeeding meeting.
(b) As a long term measure PEC Act & Byelaws Committee may review the provisions of the Act & Byelaws and reconstitute these, to enable the EA&QEC to operate more independently like the Enrolment Committee, without compromising the overall powers of the PEC Governing Body.
Meeting of PEC Act & Byelaws Committee
The meeting of PEC Act & Byelaws Committee was convened by Engr. Mazhar-ul-Islam on 9th July 2008 at HQ PEC Islamabad. After a detailed discussion Convener decided to compose task groups and assigned the tasks as under:
Draft for BOT Document:
The following task group was formed for drafting a BOT document:-
1. Engr Shamshair Dad Khan (Task Leader)
2. Engr M Shafqat (Rep from APCA)
Engr Shamshair Dad Khan was requested to refer to the South African, Indian or Malaysian Models of BOT documents, and then draft a country document in consonance with PEC Laws such that:-