In a move to strengthen Pakistan's engineering workforce, the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Thar Coal Block-1 Power Generation Company, Sino Sindh Resources, and Shanghai Electric Engineering Consulting Company.
The agreement, part of the Thar Block-1 project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), sets out a five-year programme for training, capacity building, engineer exchange, and Chinese language learning.
Each year, 20 fresh engineering graduates will participate in a six-week training programme at Thar, combining classroom learning with practical exposure in power plant and mining operations. Over five years, 100 engineers will be trained at the site.
Additionally, five to ten engineers will be sent annually to China for advanced short-term training, fostering knowledge exchange in modern energy technologies.
The partnership also establishes an annual scholarship fund of Rs3.5 million to support 35 deserving students, especially in energy and mining disciplines. A total of 175 students will benefit over five years, with opportunities to pursue higher education in China.
To strengthen cooperation, Chinese language training will be offered to up to 50 participants, aimed at improving communication between Pakistani and Chinese engineers.
Special emphasis has been placed on encouraging participation from women and students from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring inclusivity in the programme.
The MoU was signed on behalf of PEC by Dr Ashfaq A Sheikh, Technical Advisor Regulations. Chairman PEC, Engr Waseem Nazir, said the initiative reflects PEC's commitment to equipping young engineers with practical skills, international exposure, and language training.
He added that the programme will create new career pathways for Pakistani engineers while enhancing local capacity to meet the country's energy and industrial needs.
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