His multi-city tour, spanning Lahore and Islamabad, focused on boosting member engagement, strengthening academic and industry partnerships, and promoting engineering innovation through AI and sustainable technologies.
Organised by the IMechE Pakistan Group, the visit served as a platform for dialogue between global and local engineering leaders, researchers, and students.
Dr. Vinesh also met with representatives from IET, IEEE, Institution of Engineers Pakistan (IEP), and Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), highlighting IMechE Pakistan Group’s ongoing efforts to foster collaboration between these institutions, promoting the exchange of knowledge and advancing engineering practices.
Key stakeholders included Eur Ing Tauqeer Hussain Shah, PE CMgr CEng MIET, Chair of IET Islamabad, Dr. Nosherwan Shoaib, Chair of IEEE Islamabad Section, and Engr. Dr. Ejaz Bashir Janjua, representing both Institution of Engineers Pakistan (IEP) Islamabad and Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC).
AI and sustainability in focus at UET Lahore
Dr. Vinesh kicked off his visit in Lahore on 13 February, where he was warmly received by local IMechE representatives. A key highlight was a technical seminar on 14 February at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore titled “AI to Enhance Climate Change Resilience.”
Jointly hosted by IMechE UET Lahore and IMechE Pakistan Power Centre, the event attracted a diverse audience of academics, students, and professionals. Dr. Vinesh explored how AI can transform climate strategies and industrial practices, sparking meaningful discussion around sustainability and digital transformation.
Supporting the seminar were key IMechE figures including Dr. Muhammad Uneeb, Chair IMechE ME&A; Hassan N. Ansari, Vice Chair ISB, IMechE; and Hassan Ghayasuddin Ansari, Chair North, IMechE Pakistan.
Engaging industry leaders at Millat Tractors
Following the seminar, Dr. Vinesh visited Millat Tractors Headquarters for a session with industry stakeholders. Conversations focused on AI integration in manufacturing, energy efficiency, and automation, highlighting the growing relevance of smart engineering solutions in Pakistan’s industrial sector.
Symbolic visit to Wagha border and networking opportunities
Later that day, Dr. Vinesh and IMechE representatives attended the iconic Wagha Border Ceremony — a powerful moment of cultural exchange. The day concluded with a networking dinner, encouraging collaboration between academia, industry, and professional institutions.
Spotlight on engineering research at NUST Islamabad
At NUST's School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering (SMME), Dr. Vinesh delivered a second technical talk on AI’s role in climate resilience. The session, attended by faculty, students, and researchers, opened the door to new research and development collaborations.
Accompanying him in Islamabad were Eur Ing Hafiz Muhammad Muddassir, IMechE Pakistan Group Chair, Arslan Allahyar CEng MIMechE, Vice Chair IMechE Pakistan Group, Dr. Muhammad Uneeb, Chair IMechE ME&A, Dr. Emad, Vice Chair, IMechE Pakistan North Panel, Dr. Aneela Wakeel, Hon. Secretary IMechE Pakistan Group, Dr. Abdullah, Faculty Advisor, IMechE NUST Chapter, Engr. Ibrahim, Engr. Muhammad Hammad AMIMechE, Assistant Secretary IMechE Pakistan Group, Muhammad Owais AMIMechE, YM Chair IMechE Pakistan Group. Their collective presence highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaborations and knowledge-sharing in engineering advancements.
The visit also included a guided tour of cutting-edge research labs, featuring advances in AI-driven simulations, mechanical testing, and sustainable technologies.
Networking Dinner
An exclusive networking dinner was hosted in Islamabad, bringing together engineering professionals, industry experts, and academic leaders. This event provided a significant opportunity to discuss future research collaborations, industry partnerships, and technological advancements within IMechE’s global framework.
Closing with cultural reflection
To conclude the visit, Dr. Vinesh explored Pakistan’s rich heritage with a tour of the Pakistan Monument Museum and Faisal Mosque on 16 February. These informal settings fostered deeper relationships and allowed for reflection on the success of the visit.
Looking ahead: building on momentum
Dr. Vinesh Thiruchelvam’s visit marks a pivotal step in IMechE’s global outreach. It showcased Pakistan’s vibrant engineering ecosystem while advancing the Institution’s goals of innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development. His engagements across Lahore and Islamabad paved the way for stronger international partnerships, industry linkages, and research collaborations — all underpinned by a clear focus on membership engagement and professional development.
IMechE Pakistan Group extends heartfelt thanks to Dr. Vinesh and all contributors, with special appreciation to EUR ING Hafiz Muhammad Muddassir for his leadership. This visit sets a strong foundation for future partnerships and continued growth in the region.