The Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thar Coal Block-1 Power Generation Company, Sino Sindh Resources, and Shanghai Electric Engineering Consulting Company to launch a five-year programme aimed at training, capacity building, and knowledge exchange for Pakistani engineers. The initiative is linked to the Thar Block-1 project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Under the agreement, 20 fresh engineering graduates will receive six weeks of training at Thar each year, blending classroom sessions with practical exposure to mining and power plant operations. By the end of five years, 100 engineers will have undergone hands-on training at the project site. Additionally, five to ten engineers will be sent annually to China for advanced short-term courses, providing access to modern energy technologies and fostering international collaboration.
The programme also introduces an annual Rs 3.5 million scholarship fund, set to support 35 deserving engineering students nationwide, with priority for those excelling in energy and mining. Over the five-year period, 175 students will benefit from scholarships to pursue higher education in China.
To strengthen cooperation further, Chinese language training will be offered to 50 participants, improving communication between Pakistani and Chinese professionals. The PEC emphasized that women and students from disadvantaged backgrounds will be strongly encouraged to apply.
Officials described the initiative as a critical step toward equipping Pakistan’s engineering workforce with global expertise, ensuring the country can better leverage opportunities emerging from CPEC projects.
