EWF Secretary-General Masroor Elahi outlining the objectives of the forum said overseas Pakistani engineers were trying their best to guide engineering students and assist in their career-building. The forum also helps them in finding suitable jobs in addition to liaising with the Saudi Council of Engineers, he added.

EWF President Abdul Aleem Khan said overseas Pakistani engineers had proven their talent and professionalism internationally and also helped in building the nation’s economy by remitting valuable foreign exchange. But, he regretted that their contribution was not being acknowledged by the authorities in Pakistan. Overseas Pakistani engineers can help solve the energy crisis in Pakistan, provided the Pakistan Engineering Council coordinates with the forum for such projects, he said. He demanded that the PEC opens its branch in Saudi Arabia; allow PEC members in the Kingdom to vote in annual PEC elections in Pakistan and organize technical seminar and technical training in the Kingdom.

He said that overseas Pakistani engineers could improve their professional capabilities by participating in the activities of PEC.

PEC Chairman Shah said he would try his best to convey the demands of the overseas Pakistani engineers to the highest authorities in Pakistan.

He said that due to PEC’s efforts, getting higher education for Pakistani engineers in the US has become easy.

He said the PEC has sent recommendations to Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gilani  for the promotion of engineers retiring in Grade 19 to Grade 21 which will entitle them to more benefits privileges. The PEC has changed the method of balloting to physical presence rather than postal ballot, which will increase interaction between members and the office-bearers, he said. Shah said he was committed to improving the image of PEC.

Sohail Ali Khan, press consular at the Pakistani Consulate General in Jeddah, who was the guest of honor, presented a shield to Abdul Qadir Shah on behalf of the EWF.

Other guests included Syed Zafar Ali, Anwar Quraishi and Mohammad Nawaz Khan of Pakistan Investors Forum.