Contents Introduction Engr Senator Rukhsana Zuberi nominated as a Chairman PEC Engr Dr. M. Akram Sheikh retired from the seat of Chairman PEC Visit of MNA’s and Senators to PEC Think Tank Committee Meeting Meeting with Representatives of KESC and major companies at IEP Karachi for supplementing electric power to reduce shortfall Presentation on “Power Crises in Karachi” Press Conference by Chairperson PEC on Enhanced Role of PEC as Think Tank 3rd Governing Body meeting Meeting of Conveners/Senior Members of PEC Committees Meeting of PEC Act & Byelaws Committee PEC Standard Bidding/Contract Documents-Option of Insurance Bond for Bid Security and Performance Security 2nd Meeting of Working Group Technologists and Technicians 1st Meeting of PEC Sub-Committee for Formulation of Guidelines/ Regulations for Career Planning and Development of Engineers, Technologists and Technicians Meeting regarding Settlement of Price Adjustment Issue of ERRA’s Contractors 1st meeting of PEC Construction Industry Regulation Committee (CIRC) General Assembly Meeting of NABEEA (Network of Accreditation Bodies for Engineering Education in Asia) Short Courses / Workshop: for Accreditation/Registration Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) Network Security Systems Workshop on PEC Bidding / Contract Documents at Gilgit 1 of Introduction In the present revolutionary age, the world is relying increasingly on technology for economic growth and job development and a significant amount of technology investment is endorsed to promote international economic competitiveness. Within this technological context, engineers play a significant role in developing new products, managing energy, transportation and communications systems, preventing new and redressing old environmental problems and, in general, making technology work. Through these activities, engineers create a huge potential for the private sector to develop national wealth owing to the fact that a nation with the best engineering talent is in possession of the core ingredient of comparative economic and industrial advantage. Since 1976, Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has been striving to enhance the practice of engineering in Pakistan and promote the common interests and unity of Pakistani engineers for the betterment of their social and economic status. It endeavors to be recognized by the public, national and international organizations as a respected and valuable source of advice and guidance on the policies, interests and concerns related to engineering profession. PEC brings together professional engineers, academicians and research workers to provide a vast array of technical, professional and supporting services to the Government and industry and help choose appropriate policy options that address the most critical issues affecting the country. Engr Senator Rukhsana Zuberi nominated as a Chairman PEC Engr Senator Rukhsana Zuberi was appointed Chairman Pakistan Engineering Council PEC on 11 th August 2008 for a term of three years. She was nominated by the Federal Government in accordance with PEC Act & byelaws. Engr Senator Rukhsana Zuberi graduated from NED University in 1970 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. She has remained a dynamic member of the Council and has served on a number of its committees. She has a rich experience of engineering profession mostly in private sector. She is also a senator in the current tenure of the Senate of Government of Pakistan. Her keen participation in multifarious committees at Government level reflects her dedication and untiring efforts for welfare of the citizens of Pakistan. A few of the committees she has served on are listed below: Standing Committee on Defence and Defence Production Standing Committee on Petroleum and Natural Resources Finance Committee 2 Standing Committee on Women Development Standing Committee on Information Technology Policy Planning Committee Economic Coordination Committee Overseas Committee Foreign Liaison Committee Achievements Elected President Women Karachi East Member Karachi Committee Member Federal Council Member Provincial Assembly Sindh Engr Dr. M. Akram Sheikh retired from the seat of Chairman PEC Engr. Dr. M. Akram Sheikh retired as Chairman PEC on 15 th June 2008, after turning 65 which is the maximum age limit to serve the office as per Act & Byelaws of PEC. He took over position on 21st November 2002. In his tenure the Council was given a new direction in line with international standards of engineering profession. His vision gave PEC the potential to play a proactive role by effectively contributing towards the professional development of Pakistani engineers and the progress of the country. He endeavored to render PEC capable of taking over the task of acting as a ‘Think Tank’ on all professional engineering matters for the Government of Pakistan. He laid great emphasis on the responsibility of engineers to serve the country through knowledge, enlightened approach, technical supremacy and dedication to help the country to attain its rightful place in the comity of nations. Visit of MNAs and Senators to PEC The new Chairperson Engr Senator Rukhsana Zuberi, accompanied by a group of MNAs and Senators visited PEC on 27th August 2008, to attend a talk on “Renewable sources of Energy” by Dr. Pervez Akhtar (D.G. Pakistan Council of Renewable Energy Technologies-PCRET). Keeping in view the current energy crisis in Pakistan, he highlighted the significance of various sources of renewal able energy like Solar, Hydro, Wind, Biogas and demonstrated some pilot projects based on these sources which are successfully implemented mostly in rural areas of the country. He emphasized the need for capacity building, small 3 scale production and technology dissemination/market development in all areas of energy. The participants showed keen interest and appreciated the presentation. DG PCRET was asked to give the proposals a shape of a complete package with cost estimations so that funds could be allocated by the Government, implementation process expedited and dependency on the main source of electricity minimized. Think Tank Committee Meeting The 1st meeting of PEC Think Tank Committee was convened by Engr. Senator Rukhsana Zuberi, Chairperson PEC, on 26th August 2008 in HQ PEC, Islamabad. The committee discussed various ways PEC could assist the government in formulation of correct policy on engineering related matters. Pakistan’s energy crisis and necessary measures to bail out the country from the situation was focused upon. The members also enumerated the areas of strength and weakness in engineering community in the country and exhorted engineers to work as a team for the benefit of the country and community. The committee decided to form six ‘Think Tank’ subcommittees on various aspects as under: a. b. c. d. e. f. Energy Water Construction & Infrastructure Telecommunication Manufacturing Engineering Education Meeting with Representatives of KESC and major companies at IEP Karachi for supplementing electric power to reduce shortfall Engr. Senator Rukhsana Zuberi, Chairperson PEC, convened a meeting in IEP office in Karachi on 10th September 2008 with representatives of KESC, IEEE, FPCC, SSGC, PSO and PEC to devise immediate short/long term measures to address the acute shortage of electricity in Karachi since it is seriously affecting the industry and national economy. KESC management was urged to improve its infrastructure to tide over this dire situation. A comprehensive report has been prepared by PEC and solid recommendations will be forwarded to the Government for implementation in due course. Presentation on “Power Crises in Karachi” A presentation on the issue of “Power Crisis in Karachi” was given by Engr G.R. Bhatti on 19th September 2008 at HQ PEC Islamabad in which he emphasized 4 the intensity of the issue which is seriously affecting people’s lives and the economic activities of the city. The current state of Karachi Electric Supply Company (KESC), the main source of electricity, was highlighted. Apparently, KESC has failed to meet the urgent requirement of electricity ever since its privatization chiefly owing to the failure of the owners of KESC to inject about $400 million for the improvement of its generation, transmission & distribution systems etc and it’s non professional/poor management. The speaker urged the Government to intervene and save the situation from worsening. Press Conference by Chairperson PEC on Enhanced Role of PEC as Think Tank Engr. Senator Rukhsana Zuberi, Chairperson PEC, held a press conference on 9th October 2008 in HQ PEC, Islamabad to project PEC’s role as a Think Tank assisting the Government on major engineering related issues like water, energy, telecommunication, construction and infrastructure and engineering education. PEC’s effort to formulate various committees composed of eminent and experienced engineers from relevant disciplines to address various engineering linked problems was lauded. 3rd Governing Body meeting 3rd Governing Body meeting was held on 10th July 2008 at HQ PEC, Islamabad. The house elected Engr. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Akhtar as Chairman for the meeting since Chairman and Vice Chairman, PEC had not been appointed by then. The significant issues discussed are as follows: 1. The members voiced their concern about the nomination of panel for Vice Chairman and formation of committees. It was pointed out that the panel be reconsidered in view of the fact that the Government had so far not taken a decision. After deliberations the following committee was constituted to forward three nominations for Vice Chairman, PEC to the Government: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Engr. Mahmood A. Sulehri (Convener) Engr. Amanullah Hanif Engr. Ghulam Usman Babai Engr. M. Akbar Sheikh Engr. M. Anwar Khalid None of the above members shall be nominated for the appointment of Vice Chairman. 5 2. The problem of registration of engineering graduates passing out from unaccredited universities/institutions was discussed at length and the following decisions taken: (1) In order to consider/reconsider the cases of engineering graduates of certain programmes which were not accredited when the students qualified, the following procedure shall be adopted:a. The parent university/college which ran a specific programme shall apply to HQ PEC on normal AC-1 form accompanied by fee, details of the course(s) and a formal invitation to PEC for a visit. b. HQ PEC shall detail a visitation team of relevant experts to verify the facts on ground/records available in the institution and ascertain/determine shortfalls/weakness, if any, and put up report to the PEC Accreditation Committee (EA&QEC) for consideration. c. If the EA&QEC concludes that the programme visited contains deficiencies in terms of theoretical knowledge/course work and/or supporting practical/laboratory work the Committee may advise the institution to make up for such deficiencies. d. Comprehensive examination of such graduates shall be conducted under the aegis of parent institution. The question paper(s) for theory and/or practical examination shall be prepared by an external examiner(s) specified by HQ PEC and a representative of PEC EA&QEC shall be present during the conduct of such examination, for any clarifications on the question paper/examination etc. e. The detailed mechanism for the above shall be spelt out by HQ PEC separately. f. The whole activity i.e. receipt of AC-1 form in HQ PEC and final registration may be completed within a maximum period of one year to avoid loss of time for the student/graduate engineer. g. The above mode shall be scrutinized by an eminent legal advisor appointed by Convener EA&QEC and Registrar, PEC. (2) In order to stem recurrence following actions shall be taken:a. HQ PEC shall write to the Chancellors of the Universities to persuade the institutions to obtain a No Objection Certificate from PEC before initiating an engineering programme. 6 b. HQ PEC shall also write to Vice Chancellors of Universities to adhere to PEC instructions regarding the scope/intake of students of any engineering programme. c. HQ PEC shall inform the general public through print and electronic media to enable them to seek admission in accredited programmes only. This shall also be prominently reflected on PEC website www.pec.org.pk. d. As a long term measure PEC shall consider to amend the Act and regulations for introducing flexibility for implementation of the process of accreditation. 3. The Chair decided that in order to avoid delays in the process of registration of engineering graduates with PEC, the minutes of the EA&QEC may be approved by the Chairman PEC for accreditation of a programme for making it a part of the First Schedule of PEC Act 1976. The minutes shall be placed before the subsequent Governing Body meeting for confirmation/directions. Meeting of Conveners/Senior Members of PEC Committees The meeting of conveners/senior members of PEC Committees, chaired by Engr. Imtiaz Hussain Gillani, was held on 3rd July 2008 at HQ PEC, Islamabad. The discussion focused on Convener EA&QEC‘s view that the minutes of 53rd EA&QEC meeting be approved by Chairman, PEC without submission to the PEC Governing Body for approval. Convener EA&QEC was of the opinion that the PEC Act could be interpreted to allow this, considering the urgency of finalizing the process of accreditation and issuance of SRO to enable PEC to carryout registration of graduates who are eager to seek employment. After deliberation it was agreed that existing rules regarding finalization of decisions on accreditation need to be reconsidered since the scope of accreditation had magnified and the process had become more elaborate and time consuming. After deliberations, the following recommendations were made: (a) (b) As a short term measure Chairman, PEC may be authorized by the Governing Body to approve the minutes of EA&QEC meeting for publishing SRO. The minutes, however, be put up to the Governing Body in succeeding meeting. As a long term measure PEC Act & Byelaws Committee may review the provisions of the Act & Byelaws and reconstitute these, to enable the EA&QEC to operate more independently like the Enrolment Committee, without compromising the overall powers of the PEC Governing Body. 7 Meeting of PEC Act & Byelaws Committee The meeting of PEC Act & Byelaws Committee was convened by Engr. Mazharul-Islam on 9th July 2008 at HQ PEC Islamabad. After a detailed discussion Convener decided to compose task groups and assigned the tasks as under: Draft for BOT Document: The following task group was formed for drafting a BOT document:1. Engr Shamshair Dad Khan (Task Leader) 2. Engr M Shafqat (Rep from APCA) Engr Shamshair Dad Khan was requested to refer to the South African, Indian or Malaysian Models of BOT documents, and then draft a country document in consonance with PEC Laws such that:1. It is based on guidelines already prepared. 2. It is flexible and covers BOT/BOOT/BLT 3. It covers International guidelines. Bidding Documents: Convener briefed the house about the workshops already conducted on bidding documents and highlighted the recent workshop on Price Adjustment organized by HQ PEC. The Convener informed the members that Bidding Documents had been notified by the Planning Commission in February 2008 and circulated to all ministries/divisions/departments. Members desired that the PEC should send a reminder to Planning Commission to monitor implementation of the Bidding Documents. Updating of five Contract Procedures and PEC Rules of Conciliation and Arbitration to include alternative dispute resolution mechanism The participants were updated about the current situation of the procedures and were requested to review these in the light of PEC Documents. A task group comprising Engr Ejaz Ahmed Khan (Task Leader) and a representative of APCA, were assigned to update the following documents:1. 2. 3. 4. Standard Procedure for Pre-Qualification of Consultants Standard Procedure for Evaluation of Bids for Procurement of Works Standard Procedure for Pre-Qualification of Constructors Standard Procedure for Evaluation of Proposals for Procurement of Engineering Services. Engr Mahmood A Sulehri took voluntary responsibility of reviewing and updating the document of “Standard Procedure and Formula for Price Adjustment”, with 8 the assistance of Engr. Arshad Paracha. It was decided that following recommendations of the price adjustment workshop shall be considered during review:1. Price Adjustment for consultancy part will be added 2. Clause 70.1 of PEC Bidding Documents (Civil Works) will be added and narrated. 3. Time limit of six months to one Year will be eliminated. 4. Price adjustment be made applicable to a maximum of 80% of bided cost and the formula will be applied if the cost fluctuates more than 7%. Strategy to develop Regulations for Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Works Engr Ayaz Mirza (Task Leader) and Engr Sohail Khawaja were requested to prepare ‘Regulations for Engineering Industries’ covering all disciplines, similar to construction sector. Experts may be co-opted from various industries for assistance. Planning to update General and Consulting Bye-laws The Convener himself took the responsibility to review PEC Byelaws 1976 and frame a draft with the assistance of two other members and Additional Registrar. It was notified that Consulting Byelaws had already been reviewed and would be finalized in next PEC Act & Byelaws Committee meeting, with the participation of following persons :1. President ACEP or Representative 2. Engr Maj Gen (R) Waheed Akhtar Malik (Convener RCCE) 3. One representative from WAPDA (Employer Agency) It was also decided that Task Leaders, with the consent of the Convener, may Co-opt any expert for assistance and conduct task group meetings at their cities. PEC Standard Bidding/Contract Documents-Option of Insurance Bond for Bid Security and Performance Security The meeting was convened by Engr. Mazhar-ul-Islam who informed the participants about the provisions of Bid Security, Performance Bond and Mobilization Bond notified in Bidding Documents. He emphasized that the provision of Insurance Bond in case of construction contract at the choice of bidder/contractor has been introduced to address the difficulties of the construction sector. To address the complaints of Government departments on Insurance bond issue and define the obligations of Insurance companies the following decisions were taken: 9 1. In order to develop and maintain the credibility of Insurance Sector the insurance companies are responsible for making arrangements and establishing premium level and requirements for collaterals. However, once an instrument is issued, the Insurer is to indemnify the insured including encashment. 2. Insurance companies at their end or at IAP level may devise a policy for assessment of contractors before issuing insurance bond. 3. Clients will receive insurance bonds of companies having minimum AA rating. 4. It has been observed by PEC that Insurance Companies in Pakistan are not regulated appropriately and it is hoped that State Bank shall regulate them better. 5. Minutes will be communicated to SECP, MOC, State BANK and all Insurance Companies are required to maintain trust and address clients’ grievances to make the instrument credible. 2nd Meeting of Working Group for Accreditation/Registration of Technologists and Technicians The 2nd Meeting of working group for accreditation/registration of technologists and technicians was convened by the head of the group, Engr. Lt Gen (R) Syed Shujaat Hussain on 5th August 2008. During the meeting representative of NAVTEC, Engr M. Javed Malik, Director (P&D) raised the issue of NAVTEC being established under a Presidential Ordinance 2008 and possessing a mandate for accreditation/registration of Diploma of Associate Engineer (DAE); the case is under process for legislation by the Parliament. The convener clarified that as per PEC Act of Parliament 1976 (amended in 2005), PEC has been given a clear mandate that includes accreditation of all engineering and technology qualifications for the purpose of registration of engineers, technologists and technicians. PEC has already launched accreditation process for B.Tech, DAE and other higher level technology qualifications. Moreover, accreditation is a third party review/ audit by a professional independent body such as PEC. A public organization/ authority such as NAVTEC which is a funding organization to improve/ strengthen the technology institutions may not be suitable to perform the process of accreditation. After a detailed discussion the NAVTEC Representative agreed to the suggestion that NAVTEC may establish a functional linkage with PEC to reinforce PEC’s current accreditation process through its capacity building and institutional strengthening role in relation to DAE programs as per its purview . After this the further proceedings continued. 10 1. Finalization of Manual of Accreditation (Technology) The revised version of the draft Manual of Accreditation (Technology) was carefully scrutinized and following amendments were proposed: (a) Admission Criteria for B.Tech Minimum qualification (DAE or FSc Pre-Engg) = 50% marks Entry Test = 50% Pass Marks The entry test would either be conducted by the concerned institute/ university or by a common identified University in each province. (b) Curriculum Although HEC has developed B.Tech curriculum for Electrical, Civil and Mechanical programmes, it differs totally from the one already in practice. The proposed HEC curriculum focuses on four year course work with twelve weeks internship every year whereas the B.Tech (Hons) framework currently being implemented comprises two years course work and two years internship in alternate years. All the members endorsed the prevailing framework but concurred that there was room for improvement. It was also agreed that PEC would only recognize 4 year programme of B.Tech (Hons) and that a Curriculum Committee including stakeholders/ universities, technical boards and HEC is to be appointed to develop curriculum for B.Tech programmes based on market requirement, intended objectives and international practices. 2. Industrial/ Field Internship Since industrial/ field internship is a mandatory part of B.Tech (Hons) programme during 2nd and 4th year, it should not only be supervised by the faculty members of the respective college/institute but also by a coordinator from the industry concerned. 3. Working Paper for Strengthening of Technology Track As per decision of 1st Meeting of Working Group, a Working Paper for strengthening and capacity building of Technology Track has been developed and sent to HEC for necessary action. It was suggested that the same ought to be sent to concerned provincial authorities/forums for financial support and conferring degree awarding status to technology colleges/ institutes. It was also endorsed that NAVTEC should play its respective role for fortifying technology institutions under its purview. 11 4. Accreditation/Registration of B.Tech Graduates Convener EA&QEC explained that all on-going programs are required to fulfill PEC requirements before graduating the students. However, the matter of already passed out graduates would be taken up separately and recommended mechanism/ criteria would be submitted to PEC Governing Body for deliberation and approval. 1st Meeting of PEC Sub-Committee for Formulation of Guidelines/ Regulations for Career Planning and Development of Engineers, Technologists and Technicians The 1st Meeting of PEC Sub-Committee for Formulation of Guidelines/ Regulations for Career Planning and Development of Engineers, Technologists and Technicians was convened by Lt Gen Muhammad Asghar, Rector NUST on 9th June 2008 at HQ PEC Islamabad After extensive debating about the initiation of accreditation/registration of Technologists/Technicians by PEC and a short presentation by TEVTA Representative Engr Tanvir Ahmad Zaffar, GM (Operations), it was unanimously agreed that: 1. There should be proper clarity about three tiers viz engineers, technologists and technicians in terms of definition, role, extent and expected level/ contribution against engineering and technology work/practice. 2. A statistical analysis should be carried out to identify the percentage of B.Tech/ DAEs in private and public sector work force. Engr Shahid Rafiq (Rep from M/s Habib Rafiq Pvt Ltd) and Mr Bashir Ahmed Chauhan were requested to provide relevant information for demand/ supply requirement of private and public sectors respectively. 3. In order to open avenues for DAE and B.Tech in higher education especially engineering degree programs, there should be open competition among FSc and DAE/B.Tech graduates. Since 27th PEC Vice Chancellors Committee meeting has already decided to provide open opportunity for DAEs/B.Techs to compete for admission in BE/BSc Engineering programs, it was agreed to circulate the same minutes among all the stakeholders for information/ action. 4. The curricula for B.Tech programs are required to be re-structured with the aid of HEC/PEC according to the demand/supply analysis. Similarly, the 12 curricula for DAEs need to be reviewed by NIST (National Institute of Science and Technology). 5. For effective working of the Sub-Committee in terms of proper representation and actions with deliverables, it was agreed to co-opt representation from HEC and registered National level society for B.Techs and/or DAEs. Meeting regarding Settlement of Price Adjustment Issue of ERRA’s Contractors The meeting was held on the request of ERRA with regard to the difficulty that they were facing with their contractors on the subject of price adjustment. In the meeting held on 20th September 2008 at HQ PEC, Islamabad, Col (R) M Yakub Mahsud, Chairman ERRA Contractors Association (ECA) explained that ERRA Consultants had prepared one contract document and one drawing for all contracts based on 2006 PEC bidding documents for the construction of schools in earthquake affected areas. Mr R A Bashir, Secretary General ECA pointed out that PEC Formula given in the documents covered road work and were not applicable for special building works in earthquake affected areas which are mostly comprised of steel structures. Chairman ECA stated that the value of steel added in contract was far below the market rates and that the weightages indicated by NESPAK were incorrect. He added that FBS rates did not reflect the market rates on ground and that the buildings in question involved costly structural steel rather than ½˝ dia Steel/MS bars. Representatives of ERRA (Employer and Consultants) responded that the contract documents had been prepared specifically for school buildings as stated by the ECA representatives and that weightages taken were correct and as per PEC Bidding Documents. They opined that total value of contract is taken at market rates but steel is based on FBS bulletin Representatives from NESPAK told that Overhead charges had already been added and ½˝ MS bar was taken as representative item considering steel as one entity. After lengthy deliberations, the following decisions were taken by the expert panel:a) Contractors and consultants representatives should calculate and submit their own rate analysis, while considering variables of labour, steel, POL and cement as specified in the standard BOQ adopted for the purpose. PEC expert team shall also review BOQ and determine weightages. The PEC expert team after considering the weightages shall give a final decision which shall be taken as a binding for all. b) The Contractors who have signed contract should not stop work lest it is construed as misconduct under the prevailing law. 13 1st meeting of PEC Construction Industry Regulation Committee (CIRC) 1st meeting of PEC Construction Industry Regulation Committee (CIRC) was held on 13th August 2008 at HQ PEC, Islamabad. The members were briefed about the committees progress on revision of construction and operation of engineering works byelaws 1987. Thereafter the committee perused through the existing objectives / functions of CIRC suggesting the following changes after extensive discussions. 1. The statement at function 2 may now be read as “Review & scrutinize constructor’s application forms and compliance criteria for PEC registration”. 2. To identify construction oriented malpractices, the committee suggested that all Deputy Registrars of branch offices, should obtain information from Trade Associations and all other sources, and forward it to CIRC for necessary remedial measures. 3. APCA / ACEP are to be requested to provide difficulties being faced by construction industry. 4. The members were requested to study the models of regulating construction industry in India, Malaysia & South Africa and then develop a similar regulatory model for Pakistan. 5. Members were of the view that renewal of Constructors / Operators cases from Branch Offices ought to be allowed upto category C-2. 6. Engr. Muhammad Shafique pointed out certain problems in direct upgradation and registration of firms in higher categories. Convener requested him to provide specific proposals for consideration of CIRC. The secretariat will provide the present criteria for up-gradation of firms. General Assembly Meeting of NABEEA (Network of Accreditation Bodies for Engineering Education in Asia) HELD ON SEPT. 3-4, 2008 AT JAPAN Engr. Dr. Nasir M. Khan, Deputy Registrar-III attended the General Assembly meeting of NABEEA (Network of Accreditation Bodies for Engineering Education in Asia) in Japan on behalf of PEC to seek the Full Membership status. A short presentation was given on main areas / topics through slides on the progress / achievements being selected for the full membership status for PEC through a detail presentation followed by Q&A / discussion in the GA meeting of NABEEA held on Sept. 3-4, 2008. The NABEEA agreed to support PEC in filing and nominating, if required for the provisional membership with Washington Accord. 14 Short Courses / Workshop The following short courses have been arranged in the month of July to August 2008: a. Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) A short course on ‘Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)’ was organized by PEC in Lahore from 20-21 August 2008. The course, conducted by Mian Salim ud din (Electrical Engineer), addressed issues in Pakistan’s industry like productivity, quality, high productions costs etc. It highlighted the importance of TPM since its implementation produces dramatic results, visibly transforming the work place and improving skill and knowledge of production and maintenance engineers and workers. The course was attended by a large number of participants, mostly engineers. b. Network Security Systems Security is a major issue in the world of Information Technology today. With the luxury of connectivity, there is always a threat of information leakage, theft, intrusion, system compromise and attacks on networks. A two-day short course was conducted on 29th &30th July 2008, at HQ PEC Islamabad in collaboration with M.A. Jinnah University, Islamabad. Two eminent experts namely Prof. Dr. Amir Qayyum and Prof. Dr. Ismail Shah imparted enlightening lectures on the issue invoking avid interest of the participants. c. Workshop on PEC Bidding/Contract Documents at Gilgit Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) organized a two day training workshop at Serena, Gilgit on 29-30 August, 2008 to educate stakeholders from Government, Public and Private sectors on PEC Bidding/Contract Documents and Price Adjustment. The workshop is meant for the persons engaged in preparation, interpretation and management of bidding and contract documents. It is mandatory for all engineering organizations and departments at a Federal and Provincial level, district government and private sector to use these documents for procurement of engineering works funded locally or through donor agencies. Bidding documents are based on International standards to ensure transparent bidding, award and execution of construction and consultancy contracts for all projects to be executed in Pakistan. These are harmonized with PPRA Rules and include Integrity pact as directed by the Prime minister. Non-compliance of the above standard formats will attract punitive action under the Pakistan Engineering Council Act/Bye-laws. 15