A candid conversation with Engr. Tahir Sultan, CEO, Firm DECON International
Firm DECON International (Private) Limited has established itself as a trusted name in Pakistan’s engineering and construction sector, offering specialized services in geotechnical investigations, topographic surveys, foundation engineering, laboratory testing, and infrastructure development. With decades of experience and a strong reputation for quality, safety, and timely project execution, the company continues to contribute significantly to the country’s power transmission and infrastructure sectors. In an exclusive conversation with Engineering Post, Engr. Tahir Sultan, Chief Executive Officer of DECON International (Pvt.) Ltd., shared his views on industry challenges, recent projects, and the need for institutional reforms to help Pakistani construction companies expand internationally.
Speaking on the future of Pakistan’s construction industry, Tahir Sultan emphasized that the country urgently needs a dedicated Construction Bank. “A specialized Construction Bank is the need of the hour. It should function as a one-window operation that provides financial facilities, guarantees and international bonds required by construction companies. Such an institution would make it much easier for Pakistani firms to secure projects abroad and compete confidently in international markets,” he said.
According to Engr. Tahir Sultan, many technically capable Pakistani contractors are unable to participate in overseas projects because they face difficulties in obtaining financial instruments and performance guarantees. “Our engineers and construction companies possess the technical expertise, but financial support mechanisms remain a major hurdle. A dedicated Construction Bank would bridge this gap and significantly enhance Pakistan’s engineering exports,” he added.
Discussing Firm DECON International’s ongoing assignments, Tahir Sultan said the company is currently executing the geotechnical and topographic survey TLS-21 (2025) project. The assignment involves a 500kV transmission line extending approximately 250 kilometres from Chashma to Ludewala and from Ludewala to Faisalabad, which is being completed within an ambitious timeframe of 150 days. “Our strength lies in delivering technically demanding projects within committed schedules without compromising quality,” he remarked.
He further noted that Firm DECON has already completed the geotechnical investigations and surveys for the strategically important 765kV Dasu-Mansehra and Mansehra-Islamabad transmission line projects. “These projects required precision, technical competence and meticulous planning, all of which our team successfully delivered,” Tahir Sultan said.
Highlighting the company’s diversified capabilities, Tahir Sultan shared that DECON is nearing completion of a warehouse facility at Besham for Sinohydro, which will be used for storing transmission line materials (towers, conductors, OPGW, insulators and hardware). He explained that the company continues to expand its expertise across infrastructure and energy projects while maintaining its reputation for dependable execution.
Quality assurance remains a defining feature of Firm DECON International. Tahir Sultan stated that the company’s laboratory is ISO-certified and approved by both NESPAK and the National Grid Company. “The confidence our clients place in our laboratory reflects the accuracy and reliability of our testing services. We are also digitizing our laboratory testing machines through in-house development, enabling us to improve efficiency while promoting indigenous technological capabilities,” he said.
Recalling one of the company’s landmark achievements, Tahir Sultan pointed to DECON’s role in the TAPI pipeline investigations, where the client entrusted the company with the assignment without direct oversight. “That level of trust is earned through professionalism, technical excellence and consistent performance. Our commitment to timely delivery has become one of our strongest competitive advantages,” he observed.
DECON International maintains rigorous health, safety and environmental practices in accordance with international standards. “Safety is embedded in every stage of our operations. Combined with quality, professionalism and innovation, it enables us to consistently deliver projects that meet the highest engineering standards,” he concluded.
