I am pleased to say that the elections of the Institution of Engineers Pakistan (IEP) have been held and team for the term 2016-2018 has assumed the office from January 2016. As a result of the elections conducted in December 2015, I am honored to have been elected as the President IEP. I thank you all for your valuable support and seek your cooperation.

IEP is the leading professional body founded by Qaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah for promoting engineering, technology and allied sciences. It has been in the forefront for improving technical competency, developing skills and enrichment of careers of its members, besides enhancing their social well-being. Sharing knowledge, experiences and ideas has been the hallmark of the Institution. Effective dissemination of engineering and professional services is being done, in accordance with primary aims and objectives of the Institution.

Transforming the Institution into a vibrant and effective body will be my first priority. Short-term and medium-term programs are being chalked out at all the Centers of the IEP aiming to achieve its goals. Interest of the members in the affairs of the Institution will be renewed. Voters list will be updated for which work has been initiated. Regular interaction and cost-effective communication with all members will be established. An effective drive for membership will be launched. Conducting a series of lectures, seminars, conferences, symposia and workshops on national issues are regular features of the Institution. Exchange of knowledge and ideas will be fostered to develop further a clear road map of professional thinking and practices. Diversified and quality CPD (Continuing Professional Development) Courses, which is a collaborative activity of ours with the Pakistan Engineering Council, will be conducted regularly.

I am fully aware that new initiatives would be required to keep pace with the present era of globalization. We will develop viable and economical solutions to the current socioeconomic issues, focusing on application of emerging and indigenous technologies. This will be done associating our regional partner institutions close co-operation with the local Industry and Universities will be maintained. It is also planned to bring young engineers into main stream. A culture of responsibility, discipline, accountability and merit will be promoted.

Engineers have a vital, rather crucial role to play in national development---more so under the given conditions of the country facing numerous challenges. But, on the other hand, there is despondency among engineers for genuine reasons. The dilemma is that engineers’ due role is not recognized by the government in particular. Engineers are therefore deprived of top technical positions in the government, and policy making Institutions. In fact, they are made subservient to the bureaucrats. Unfortunately, nothing has so far been done for structuring the proposed National Engineering Services either.

Sadly, the engineers’ prestige, image and importance in Pakistan have eroded over a period of time. We need to restore the position of engineers and significance of engineering profession. For this purpose, we shall join hands with other engineering organizations, like Pakistan Engineering Council, Pakistan Engineering Congress and the Institution of Electrical & Electronics Engineers etc. In the end, I thank all the Engineers for the trust and confidence reposed in me. I seek full support and cooperation, in letter and spirit, from all Engineers for the betterment of the Institution. May Allah grant us the strength to strive to accomplish the objectives of the Institution in a rightful manner.