JEDDAH, 7 December 2007 — The Engineers Welfare Forum Jeddah (EWFJ), formed in August this year, held its first meeting here on Wednesday night.
President of the Institution of Engineers Pakistan (IEP) Aftab Islam Agha, who was the chief guest, spoke about the contribution of engineers in the promotion of education and development of railways, roads, highways and telecom.
He said the Iran-Pakistan pipeline project would boost Pakistan’s industrial production and reduce the country’s reliance on oil import.
Agha designated EWFJ as the Jeddah chapter of IEP with Abdul Aleem Khan as its in charge. He urged engineers to register with the EWJF and praised the role of Pakistani engineers in mega construction projects in Saudi Arabia.
Zafar Iqbal, minister at the Pakistan’s Consulate General in Jeddah, who presided over the function, urged the forum members to diversify their activities and work for the welfare of Pakistanis.
Abdul Aleem Khan spoke about the objectives of the organization. EWFJ will have Pakistani and Indian engineers as its members.
The forum will seek its affiliation with the Indian Engineering Institute, Aleem said.
Syed Ehsanul Haque, who conducted the function, said the EWJF that seeks to bring Indian and Pakistani engineers together on one platform will try to get itself affiliated with professional associations.
Referring to Pakistani politics, Ehsan said, “unfortunately our politicians have vested interests. They thrive on rhetoric and tall promises. They talk sensible only at the time of election. In the tug of war for power we have placed our national issues — Kashmir, stranded Pakistanis and Kalabagh dam — on the back burner.” Masroor Elahi, general secretary of the forum also spoke.