Soon Times Correspondent
______________________MULTAN: Engr. Malik Mazhar Mahmood, (Additional Secretary of Health), a prominent candidate for the Chairman of the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) election for the term 2024-2027, has unveiled a comprehensive 23-point manifesto aimed at transforming the engineering sector in Pakistan.
The manifesto focused on innovation, sustainability, professional development, and making the PEC politic-free. The event took place at Al-Haram Banquet Hall, Wakeel Chock, on Sunday, drawing a large gathering of engineers from across the country. With over 30 years of experience in solution-based development within the engineering sector, Malik Mazhar Mahmood has been a pivotal figure in implementing reforms for the welfare of engineers in Pakistan. His extensive background and commitment to the profession make him a strong candidate for the position of PEC Chairman.
Addressing the manifesto launch ceremony, Malik Mazhar Mahmood unveiled a 23-point reform agenda aimed at revolutionizing the engineering sector. Key highlights of his manifesto include ensuring a Politics-Free PEC, introducing a Digital Transformation to streamline PEC services, and fostering Industry-academic collaboration to better align educational curricula with industry needs. The agenda also focused on achieving Global Certification and Recognition for Pakistani engineers, launching a robust Continuing Education & Professional Development program, and promoting Public-Private Partnerships to create job opportunities.
Mahmood also planned to introduce a Young Engineers Program and initiatives to support Women in engineering while strengthening Ethical Engineering Practices and establishing Innovation and R&D Centers. Other proposed reforms include enhancing Community and Member Engagement, promoting International Collaboration, and improving transparency and professional standards within PEC. The agenda further includes strengthening the regulatory framework, promoting technology transfer, and regularly reviewing engineering curricula. Mahmood also emphasized the importance of expanding PEC’s global outreach and instituting an endowment fund to support educational initiatives.
Moreover, Mahmood also highlighted the agenda plan for a comprehensive online portal to streamline PEC services and improve accessibility. He is dedicated to bringing about meaningful change in the engineering sector, ensuring that the PEC remains a body that truly represents and serves the interests of engineers across Pakistan. The PEC Chairman candidate has announced a comprehensive plan to reverse the brain drain of engineers and bring them back to serve the country. He emphasized that academia should not support the specific groups that have contributed to the council’s decline over the years.
“Everyone should cast their vote without any pressure, as your vote can change the system,” Mahmood stated. He highlighted that the country has approximately 300,000 engineers, yet they face significant challenges, including unemployment and industrial decline. Mahmood pointed out that if the PEC had played its role during the IPP contract agreements, the current energy crisis could have been avoided. He stressed that the PEC has strayed from its mission due to ongoing political interference and that there is an urgent need to restore it as a functional, politically neutral organization that engineers can be proud of. He called on students and engineering unions to join hands, support him, and vote for him to bring real change to the PEC and contribute to the country’s prosperity.
On this occasion, keynote speakers from various public and private organizations, including the Youth General Assembly of Pakistan (YGAP), the Old Ravian Union (ORU), the Pakistan Electromedical Equipment Manufacturers & Distributors Association (PEEM&DA), the Multan Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and the Engineers’ Community, showed solidarity and expressed their strong support for Engr. Malik Mazhar Mahmood. They urged the engineering community to come forward and vote for him on August 18, 2024, to bring about real change in the PEC and ensure a bright future for engineers.
