The Multi-Topic International Symposium 2025, organized by the Karachi Centre of the Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Pakistan (IEEEP), commenced on April 23 at the Pearl Continental Hotel in Karachi, gathering some of the brightest minds and thought leaders in Pakistan’s engineering, energy, and industrial innovation sectors. Under the guiding theme of “Passion for Progress,” the two-day symposium marked a pivotal platform for exchanging ideas, presenting ground-breaking research, and initiating critical discussions around the country’s evolving technical and sustainability challenges.
The inaugural session began with a dignified atmosphere as guests arrived and registered, followed by the recitation of the Holy Quran and the national anthem. Honorary Secretary of IEEEP Karachi Centre, Engr. Imran Zaffar, extended a warm welcome to participants, setting the tone for a dynamic exchange of technical knowledge. Chairman Engr. Dr. Navid Hussain Ansari offered the opening address, emphasizing IEEEP’s vision of fostering innovation, promoting engineering excellence, and advancing sustainable technologies in Pakistan.
The convener of the Technical Committee provided a detailed introduction to the Symposium 2025, while a parallel briefing on the upcoming IEEEP Fair 2025 underscored the organization’s forward-looking agenda. In a compelling keynote address, Dr. Khalid Waleed, Research Fellow at the Sustainable Development Policy Institute, explored critical issues affecting Pakistan’s energy sector. His talk, titled “Power Sector’s Capacity Trap, CBAM and CTBCM Conundrum,” drew attention to systemic inefficiencies and the urgent need for structural reforms in energy management and policy coherence.
The session concluded with speeches from Engr. Yahia Bakhtiarani Chawla, President of IEEEP, and Chief Guest Engr. Najeeb Haroon, Chairman of the Pakistan Engineering Council. Their remarks reinforced the importance of local expertise and global engagement to navigate Pakistan’s energy and industrial transformation. Mementos were presented to the dignitaries, followed by a high tea that offered attendees an opportunity to network and discuss shared interests.
The day progressed with Technical Session I on “Energy Market & Sustainability,” chaired by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Aslam Uqaili, former Vice-Chancellor of Mehran University of Engineering & Technology (MUET), with Engr. Syed Rehan ul Haq from K-Electric serving as Session Secretary. A rich slate of papers was presented, delving into topics such as replacing outdated PCB-contaminated transformers, reforming renewable energy regulations, and the economic planning required for deploying renewable energy in emerging markets. Particularly engaging was the presentation by Kumail Khaleeli, CEO of Zephyr Power, who spotlighted the systemic challenges faced by wind power producers in Pakistan. This session offered not only technical depth but also addressed the policy and regulatory barriers inhibiting sectoral growth. A concise Q&A concluded the session before attendees broke for lunch and prayers.
The afternoon transitioned to Technical Session II, centered on “Industrial Solutions & Innovations.” Engr. Nida Rizwan Farid, a noted energy efficiency consultant and founder of SaveMyJules, chaired the session, with Engr. Safwan Ali, Project Director at ATCONS, assisting as secretary. This session spotlighted inventive engineering breakthroughs, from bio-energy solutions using Napier grass to locally developed vertical-axis wind turbines and smart monitoring systems for transformers. A standout presentation came from Dr. Waseem Ahmed Khan of GIK Institute, who introduced “NeuroGridX,” a next-generation electrical power control and automation system promising real-time adaptability and predictive maintenance capabilities.
Further technical deep dives explored battery systems enhanced with supercapacitor integration, presented by Engr. Muhammad Ammar Faruqi, and a multi-dimensional perspective on solar and security solutions by Engr. Wasif Leemi of DES. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A, followed by summation remarks that highlighted Pakistan’s growing potential in indigenous technological advancement.
As Day One of the Multi-Topic International Symposium drew to a close, it was evident that the event had lived up to its promise—fostering an intellectually rich environment that not only addressed critical challenges in energy and industry but also envisioned a future led by Pakistani innovation. With a compelling mix of academic rigor, industry insight, and institutional collaboration, the symposium stands as a powerful symbol of how Pakistan’s engineering community is shaping a resilient and sustainable future.
