ISLAMABAD - PAKISTAN: In a significant development that promises to reshape the landscape of engineering and arbitration in Pakistan, Mian Sheraz Javaid has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) on behalf of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) Pakistan Branch. This MOU marks a pivotal moment in the collaborative efforts of both organizations to advance the engineering profession by integrating it with dispute resolution training.

The Pakistan Engineering Council is a statutory body, established under the PEC Act 1976, vested with the mandate to regulate the engineering profession in Pakistan. It accredits engineering programs, grants licenses to engineers and engineering firms, and ensures that engineering practices in the country meet international standards. By doing so, PEC aims to elevate the quality of engineering services, thereby contributing to the nation's development and global competitiveness. The Council also plays a vital role in policy formulation, ensuring that engineering perspectives are integrated into national planning and development.

Mian Sheraz Javaid, a civil engineer and a barrister, brings a unique blend of expertise to this collaboration. With years of experience in both engineering and arbitration, he has been instrumental in bridging the gap between these two distinct but mutually reinforcing fields. His work in engineering projects across Pakistan and his involvement in various arbitration cases have equipped him with a deep understanding of the complexities involved in engineering contracts and dispute resolution. His leadership in this initiative is a testament to his vision for a more integrated and efficient engineering profession.

The MOU between Ciarb Pakistan Branch and PEC is underlined with the utmost spirit of collaboration. At a time when Pakistan is witnessing a boom in construction projects, such as the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the role of engineers has never been more dynamic. Engineers are increasingly required to be adept not just in technical skills but also in contract drafting, contract management, and dispute resolution. This MOU aims to address these evolving needs by pairing engineering expertise with dispute resolution training.

Ciarb is set to assist PEC by providing its gold-standard training in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). This collaboration will not only upgrade the skills of engineers but also facilitate PEC in refining the technical infrastructure necessary for their ADR Centre. The training modules will be designed to meet the specific needs of engineers, thereby making them more competent in handling contractual and dispute-related issues.

As the architect of this collaboration, Mian Sheraz Javaid looks forward to a flourishing partnership between Ciarb Pakistan Branch and PEC. He believes that this MOU is just the beginning and envisions achieving new milestones that will further strengthen the engineering profession in Pakistan.

The dedication of both Ciarb Pakistan Branch and PEC to advancing the field of engineering is truly commendable. Their combined expertise in engineering and arbitration is set to drive positive changes within the industry. This MOU is not just an agreement but a commitment to elevate the engineering profession to new heights, benefiting not just the organizations involved but the entire nation. It signifies a monumental step towards integrating engineering and arbitration, setting a precedent for future collaborations in the industry.