National Engineering Federation
Federal Minister for Planning, Development, and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal inaugurated the newly established Engineers’ Lounge at the Institution of Engineers Pakistan (IEP) on Sunday, marking a significant step towards unifying and mobilizing the engineering community across the country.
The initiative, spearheaded by Engineer Usman Farooq, is envisioned as a hub for innovation, collaboration, policy engagement, and the professional development of engineers nationwide.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed an impressive turnout of professionals from various esteemed institutions, including the Pakistan Engineering Congress, Pakistan Engineering Council, Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Pakistan (IEEEP), and numerous other engineering organizations. Delegates and representatives from the broader engineering community also participated, reflecting widespread support for the initiative.
In his address, Ahsan Iqbal outlined a multifaceted national agenda aimed at placing engineers at the forefront of Pakistan’s development trajectory. He announced that the federal government, in consultation with all four provinces, is formulating a comprehensive national policy to counteract Indian water aggression.
Emphasizing the strategic importance of this initiative, he revealed plans to constitute a special technical committee comprised of leading water experts and engineers. This committee will be tasked with developing data-driven, technically sound recommendations to address water disputes and ensure the sustainable management of Pakistan’s water resources.
The minister stated that the technical committee will include the presidents and key representatives of the country’s major engineering institutions. This inclusive approach, he said, will allow for coordinated policymaking and a unified national response to pressing water and infrastructure challenges.
In a major announcement, Ahsan Iqbal also shared that the government has initiated work on the establishment of the “Federation of Engineering Institutions of Pakistan.”
This proposed federation aims to consolidate the efforts of all engineering bodies under one platform, ensuring that engineers receive proper representation in national policymaking and contribute more directly to economic and developmental initiatives. He emphasized that engineers are essential stakeholders in addressing Pakistan’s challenges, from infrastructure and energy to water and technology.
Describing the Engineers’ Lounge as more than just a facility, Iqbal said it is a symbol of forward-thinking, unity, and national progress. He envisioned its future evolution into a National Engineering Club—a central hub for training, research, mentorship, and innovation, particularly geared towards empowering young professionals.
He praised Pakistan’s engineers as one of the country’s most valuable assets, highlighting their intelligence, creativity, and work ethic. The government, he affirmed, is committed to standing alongside engineering institutions in their mission to build a better Pakistan.
IEP Secretary General Engineer Amir Zamir Khan also addressed the gathering, commending Ahsan Iqbal’s inclusive national vision. He expressed the readiness of engineering institutions to collaborate under the Planning Commission’s leadership and stressed the importance of transcending provincial divides to work together for national development.
Engineer Usman Farooq, the visionary behind the Engineers’ Lounge, said the initiative represents hope and a practical platform for empowering young engineers. He emphasized that such efforts are critical for addressing national challenges through local talent and technical expertise.
The event not only marked the inauguration of a physical space but also signaled the beginning of a broader movement to elevate the role of engineers in Pakistan’s policymaking and development agenda.
