Chairman PEC Engr. Waseem Nazir’s Landmark Visit to Balochistan

Written by: Engr Asghar Hayat
Engr. Waseem Nazir, Chairman of the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), undertook a groundbreaking four-day visit to Balochistan from January 5 to January 8, 2025. This historic visit marked the first time a PEC Chairman made such an extensive and inclusive tour of the province, engaging with multiple stakeholders and addressing critical issues faced by engineers in the region. Unlike previous visits by PEC officials, which were often limited to attending inaugurations or annual meetings, this visit was characterized by back-to-back consultations, workshops, and strategic planning sessions aimed at solving pressing challenges.
The visit commenced on January 5 with a meeting at the PEC Regional Office in Quetta. The Chairman was warmly received by Governing Body (GB) members and young engineers, who lauded his commitment to Balochistan. In his discussions, the Chairman highlighted PEC’s dedication to addressing the issues faced by engineers in the province, including unemployment, lack of professional development opportunities, and insufficient representation in decision-making forums. He also introduced the concept of the Young Engineers National Forum (YENF), a platform designed to empower young engineers and provide them with leadership roles in national development.
The following day, January 6, PEC hosted a multi-stakeholder workshop on advancing education in Balochistan. Leaders from public and private universities, the Higher Education Commission (HEC), industry representatives, and parents gathered to discuss challenges in the educational landscape. Sessions covered topics like faculty development, curriculum updates, and academia-industry collaboration. Participants emphasized the need for modern teaching methodologies, improved research alignment with market demands, and the establishment of central laboratories to enhance practical learning. This workshop was a significant step toward bridging the gap between academia and industry in Balochistan, a province historically overlooked in such initiatives.
On January 7, the Chairman’s schedule was packed with impactful engagements. He met with the Chief Secretary of Balochistan, Shakeel Qadir Khan, to discuss engineering challenges in the province. Key issues raised included delays in project execution, the appointment of non-engineers to engineering posts, and the lack of promotions for engineers in government departments. The Chief Secretary assured full support in resolving these issues, including advertising vacant positions for young graduates and introducing structured internship programs.
Later that day, Engr. Waseem Nazir inaugurated the “Pathway to Practice” desk at the Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering, and Management Sciences (BUITEMS) in Quetta. This initiative, a collaboration between PEC and BUITEMS, aims to restore engineers’ pride by providing structured career progression from graduation to professional practice. The platform reflects PEC’s commitment to supporting engineers in their career journeys and strengthening ties between academia, industry, and professionals.
The Chairman also held an interactive session with BUITEMS faculty, where he discussed the latest trends in engineering education, the ethical use of artificial intelligence, and faculty preparation for emerging technologies. These discussions underscored PEC’s vision of equipping engineering educators with modern tools to prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century.
In a meeting with the Constructors Association of Pakistan (CAP) Balochistan Chapter, the Chairman addressed critical issues faced by the construction industry, including security threats to contractors, double taxation, and non-implementation of the PEC Price Adjustment Formula. He assured CAP members of PEC’s efforts to resolve these challenges and support the growth of the construction sector in the province.
That evening, the Chairman hosted a dinner for Balochistan’s bureaucracy, academic leaders, policymakers, and senior engineers. This informal gathering provided a platform for dynamic discussions on adopting an inclusive approach to elevate the engineering profession and drive national development.
The final day of the visit, January 8, began with a visit to the NUST University Balochistan Campus. The Commandant of NUST provided a detailed briefing on the university’s contributions to quality engineering education in the region. The Chairman toured the campus and its state-of-the-art laboratories, emphasizing the need for faculty development programs and resource optimization to improve educational outcomes.
Engr. Waseem Nazir also visited the Quetta Electric Supply Company (QESCO) Head Office, where he met with the CEO and his team. Discussions focused on challenges in the power sector, including electricity theft, infrastructure modernization, and security concerns for engineers. The Chairman proposed exploring internship opportunities for young engineering graduates and pledged PEC’s support in addressing the region’s growing energy demands.
Throughout his visit, the Chairman highlighted the unique challenges faced by engineers in Balochistan. These include security concerns, economic constraints, and limited access to higher education. He emphasized the need for an inclusive and collaborative approach to addressing these issues, which have long hindered the province’s development.
Engr. Waseem Nazir’s visit concluded with a commitment to issuing an Action Plan 2025 for Balochistan by the end of January. This plan aims to introduce key reforms in engineering education and the profession, ensuring sustainable development and empowering the region’s engineers.
This historic visit represents a paradigm shift in PEC’s engagement with Balochistan. Unlike previous officials whose visits were limited in scope, Engr. Waseem Nazir’s detailed consultations and initiatives reflect a genuine commitment to addressing the province’s challenges. The visit has not only raised hopes among young engineers but also paved the way for transformative changes in the engineering sector.
