Institution news
The meeting was held virtually, considering the recent situation in the country due to the COVID-19 scenario.
The event was hosted by Mr Hafiz M. Muddassir CEng MIMechE (Hon. Secretary Elect) and co-hosted by Mr Saad Shabbir, Young Members Acting Chair, and Mr Mohammad Affan Khokhar, Webmaster, Pakistan Group.
The meeting initiated with the recitation of the Holy Quran; followed by a warm welcome address by the Immediate Past Chair of IMechE Pakistan Group, Dr M. Tufail CEng FIMechE. He highlighted his vision of Pakistan Group, which is to decrease the gap between industry and academia so the future engineers and researchers shall be able to focus on the issues faced by the industry.
His address was followed by a group presentation by Mr Hassan G. Ansari CEng FIMechE, the former Honorary Secretary of Pakistan Group. Mr Ansari, after briefing the audience about the strategic objectives of the group, discussed the increase in the number of members since inception, benefits of IMechE membership and the efforts of the group in engaging members, students and youth.
The Acting Chair of the Young Members Panel, Mr Saad Shabeer, gave a presentation describing some of the highlights of the year. He brought attention of the guests to the efforts of the Young Members Panel, and proposed the representatives of the industry to put their belief in the young members of the group. He also shed some light on events that were conducted virtually such as Photography Challenge and webinars by Young Members representatives and how they contributed to virtual impression of Pakistan Group.
The keynote Speaker Dr Wasim Khan CEng FIMechE, gave a technical lecture on Functional Reverse Engineering of Machine Tools and how it is different from simple reverse engineering and does not infringe on any copyrights. He also gave us a sneak peek into his work on research & development of 5-axis CNC machines, IoT controlled spatial manipulation robots and novel control panel software for industrial CNC machines. He further highlighted how young engineers can put their effort in areas related to manufacturing and machine tools and how this can significantly impact their career.
Dr Wasim Khan's lecture was followed by the announcement of the 2020 executive committee election results by Eur Ing Sarfaraz Ahmed FICE, who acted as the independent election supervisor for Executive Committee Elections 2020.
In his address, Mr Sikandar M. Khan CEng FIMechE, Chairman of Millat Group and Patron of IMechE Pakistan Group, appreciated the efforts of Pakistan Group volunteers. He also observed that the Group had a brighter future ahead by playing a key role in closing the gap between industry and academia within Pakistan and other international regions.
By the end, the newly elected Chair Mr Hassan G. Ansari concluded the ceremony by charting the course for future and how greater benefit to Corporate Members will be focused along side efforts to encouraging the guests from the industry to put their faith in the young members. His address was followed by an announcement that another meet-up will be conducted soon where the IMechE members and volunteers may meet again physically when the pandemic is over.