No interference

Engineering is considered to be one of the most respected professional fields in Pakistan. However, despite a plethora of engineering companies operating in the country, there are only one or two that can be considered world class. This lack of internationally successful companies is mainly because of political interference in the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), which is the governing body of engineers. The chairman PEC’s post is a much sought-after position due to which political parties get involved in its elections. This year, however, the level of interference has gone up drastically, as for the first time a sitting MNA of the government is running for the chairman’s position. Such a decision goes against the basic norms of propriety and is in violation of the very principles that the ruling party, the PTI, was built upon.

The PEC should elect engineers who are well-versed in the functioning of this premier governing body and are professionals concerned with the well-being and growth of their profession. It should not be a battleground for political influence nor bring forward people who are basically known for their political skills, not for their engineering knowledge. Unfortunately, this political interference will only result in harming the development of the PEC as an institution and hamper the growth of the engineering profession in the country.

Jawwad Riaz

Lahore