Engr. Syed Nafasat Raza, a distinguished civil engineer and seasoned professional, is contesting for the position of Senior Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC). With a career spanning multiple key roles in both government and private sectors, Engr. Raza brings a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to the leadership of PEC. His campaign, under the banner of the “United Engineers Pakistan” is grounded in a commitment to revitalize the engineering sector and ensure it plays a pivotal role in the country’s economic development.
Engr. Nafasat Raza’s career is marked by significant contributions to the field of engineering. He served as the Chief Engineer for Buildings and Highways at the Communication and Works Department, where he oversaw major infrastructure projects. Additionally, his role as the elected Secretary of the Pakistan Engineering Congress underscores his leadership and dedication to advancing the engineering profession. His extensive experience also includes serving on the Construction Industry Board and contributing to women’s development initiatives. Engr. Raza has been instrumental in developing bid documents and crafting a new syllabus for engineers, ensuring that educational standards meet the evolving needs of the industry.
With a solid educational foundation, including a degree in civil engineering from UET Lahore and a master’s in transportation and road engineering, Engr. Raza’s technical expertise is well-established.
Engr. Raza’s decision to run for Senior Vice Chairman of PEC stems from his belief that the council must play a critical role in the country’s economy. “The engineering sector, if developed properly, can benefit the engineers as well as the country’s economy,” he said during a recent exclusive conversation with Engineering Post.
A central theme of Engr. Nafasat Raza’s campaign is addressing the deteriorating standards of engineering education. “We need to improve the quality of education so our engineers can be competitive in international markets,” he emphasizes. By focusing on improving the curriculum and ensuring rigorous standards, Engr. Nafasat Raza aims to produce high-quality engineers who are globally competitive and employable.
Engr. Nafasat Raza is acutely aware of the high unemployment rates among engineers and plans to implement policies that foster the development of competent engineers and improve the quality of private universities. Incorporating young engineers into the policy-making process is another cornerstone of Engr. Raza’s campaign. “Young engineers should be part of policy-making. Competent people should work for the betterment of engineers,” he states. By engaging younger professionals, Engr. Nafasat Raza aims to inject fresh ideas and perspectives into PEC.
Engr. Nafasat Raza advocates for the utilization of locally made products over imported ones, highlighting the economic benefits of such a shift. “PEC should make by-laws for utilizing more locally made products and stop using imported products. When we use imported products, we are essentially burning up dollars,” he explains. This policy not only supports local industry but also conserves valuable foreign exchange.
Engr. Syed Nafasat Raza’s campaign for Senior Vice Chairman of PEC is built on a foundation of extensive experience, a clear vision for reform, and a deep commitment to the engineering profession. “The engineering sector has immense potential to contribute to Pakistan’s economy. With the right leadership and policies, we can harness this potential to create a prosperous future for our engineers and our country,” he said.
