The Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) plans to fully digitalize its systems by December 2026, including the introduction of an e-licensing system for engineers and contractors.
PEC Chairman Engineer Waseem Nazir announced the plan during a consultative meeting on challenges facing the construction sector in Karachi. Engineers, contractors, and representatives from relevant sectors attended the meeting.
Waseem Nazir said the ongoing reforms are aimed at making services faster, more transparent, and easier for engineers, contractors, and other professionals.
Under the planned digital system, processes including licensing, registration, verification, and renewals will be handled online.
PEC has already introduced an instant renewal facility that allows contractors to renew their licenses within 24 hours. The council is also preparing an e-license facility for contractors.
The PEC chairman highlighted the Pathway to Practice Program, which enables fresh engineering graduates to receive the title of engineer on the same day their university results are announced. This allows graduates to register with PEC without unnecessary delays.
He also said that more than 2,300 fresh engineering graduates have received six months of practical training through the Graduate Trainee Engineers (GTE) Program.
The program includes five months of industrial training at leading organizations and one month of soft-skills training at the National Defence University in Islamabad. PEC provides participating engineers with a monthly stipend of Rs. 50,000.
Waseem Nazir said PEC is also launching artificial intelligence-related programs to help engineers and students develop skills in modern technologies and improve their global career opportunities.
The council has signed an agreement with NADRA to provide digital identity services for engineers at the national level.
He said PEC is also working to align its systems with international standards through ISO certification while improving its offices and service structure.
The PEC chairman said agreements with China are creating additional education and training opportunities for Pakistani engineering students.
Around 30 students were recently sent to China, while plans are being developed to provide opportunities to around 20 to 30 students annually over the next 10 years. He said merit, transparency, and equality would guide the selection process.
During the meeting, Chairman of CAP Syed Afzalur Rehman raised several concerns affecting contractors, including license renewals, category upgrades, price adjustments, and participation in donor-funded projects.
He noted that PEC has extended contractors’ license validity until August 31, 2026, but some clients are still demanding renewed licenses.
In response, Waseem Nazir said PEC would provide a further one-month extension due to delays in printing licenses.
Afzalur Rehman also called for changes to the existing 70:30 price adjustment formula, arguing that rising construction material costs and inflation have made the current mechanism difficult for contractors.
He proposed changing the ratio to 90:10, saying a similar formula had been used by the government in the past.
The PEC chairman said the council’s digital reforms are intended to modernize engineering services, reduce delays, and make registration and licensing processes more efficient for professionals and contractors across Pakistan.
