Pakistan Engineering Council has entered into a five-year agreement with Thar Coal Block-1 Power Generation Company, Sino Sindh Resources and Shanghai Electric Engineering Consulting Company to train and build the capacity of Pakistani engineers. The partnership is focused on hands-on experience, classroom learning, and Chinese language training to help young engineers prepare for modern energy projects in the country. Officials have described the initiative as an important milestone for strengthening Pakistan’s engineering workforce under the Thar Block-1 project, which is part of CPEC.
According to the agreement, 20 fresh engineering graduates will participate each year in a six-week training program at Thar, combining theoretical modules with practical exposure in power plant and mining operations. This approach is designed to offer engineers real-time understanding of large-scale energy projects and operations. Over a five-year period, a total of 100 engineers will gain direct training at the Thar site, enhancing the local talent pipeline for Pakistan’s growing energy and industrial sectors.
The program also includes an international component. Each year, between five and ten engineers will be sent to China for advanced short-term training, creating an exchange opportunity to learn from Chinese expertise in energy technologies. These participants will have access to modern practices and advanced systems used by Chinese companies, enabling them to bring back valuable knowledge for local projects. The collaboration further establishes a dedicated scholarship fund worth Rs3.5 million annually to support 35 deserving engineering students across Pakistan, particularly those excelling in energy and mining disciplines. Over five years, 175 students will benefit from these scholarships to pursue higher education in China.
Another feature of the initiative is the introduction of Chinese language training for up to 50 participants. The language program is aimed at improving communication between Pakistani engineers and their Chinese counterparts, facilitating smoother cooperation in joint ventures and project execution. Special emphasis has been placed on encouraging applications from women and students from disadvantaged backgrounds, making the program more inclusive and representative of Pakistan’s diverse engineering talent. On behalf of Pakistan Engineering Council, Technical Advisor Regulations Dr. Ashfaq A. Sheikh signed the MoU with the Chinese partners. Chairman PEC Engr. Waseem Nazir stated that the agreement reflects PEC’s commitment to empowering young engineers through hands-on training, international exposure, and language learning, while opening new career pathways and building local capacity to meet the country’s future energy and industrial needs.
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