They demonstrated their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and engineering expertise by designing and constructing a “Repeatable Vehicle.” Sponsored by MECHESOL, Millat Tractors Limited, Dawlance, and IMechE Pakistan Automotive Centre, the event emphasized innovation and real-world application. Judges evaluated teams on the performance, efficiency, and reliability of their designs, marking another milestone in fostering engineering excellence.
Notably, Chair IMechE Pakistan Group, EUR ING Hafiz M. Muddassir CEng FIMechE, also representing MECHESOL as CEO, played a pivotal role throughout the event. His presence bridged the gap between industry and academia, demonstrating the importance of corporate involvement in advancing engineering education and innovation.
Opening Ceremony and Keynote Speech
The event commenced with a warm welcome from the IMechE UET Taxila Student Chapter organising team, setting the stage for an inspiring day. The Chief Guest, Dr. Shahab Khushnood, Ex-Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, UET Taxila, and Chairperson of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Wah, delivered an engaging keynote speech. His words motivated the participants and reinforced the significance of engineering innovation in modern industry.
Sponsors and Competition Format
This competition was made possible through the support of industry-leading sponsors: MECHESOL, Millat Tractors Limited, Dawlance, and IMechE Pakistan Automotive Centre. Participating students designed and built functional prototypes of a “Repeatable Vehicle.” Their work was assessed through presentations, poster evaluations, CAD models, and real-world prototype performance. The judging panel placed special emphasis on creativity, engineering feasibility, and impact.
Esteemed Judging Panel
A distinguished panel of professionals oversaw the rigorous evaluation process, ensuring fairness and insightful feedback:
- Dr. Atta ur Rehman Shah (Associate Professor/Chairman, Mechanical Engineering, COMSATS University, Wah Campus)
- Dr. Hammad Nazeer (Associate Professor, Department of Mechatronics Engineering, AIR University, Islamabad)
- Engr. Muhammad Azeem (Lecturer, WEC, University of Wah)
- Muhammad Bilal (Founder & CEO, Emitsun Solutions Pvt. Ltd.)
- Dr. Ali Javed (Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, NUTECH, Islamabad)
Participating Teams and Initial Rounds
Six teams took on the challenge, each presenting their innovative ideas and engineering solutions:
- Team Al Jazari Titans
- Team Machine Mavericks
- Team Apexers
- Team Make Ferrari Great Again
- Team Smokin Axles
- Team Mech Eagles
Each team delivered a 10-minute presentation followed by a Q&A session, with additional assessments based on their poster evaluations. The practical phase tested their vehicles on a structured platform, analysing their efficiency, consistency, and repeatability. Following these rigorous assessments, three teams advanced to the final round:
- Team Mech Eagles
- Team Apexers
- Team Smokin Axles
The Final Showdown
The final round was an intense display of technical excellence as the top three teams faced additional testing. Their vehicles were judged on performance, efficiency, and consistency. After thorough evaluations, Team Mech Eagles was declared the winner, with Team Apexers securing the runner-up position.
Chair IMechE Pakistan Group, EUR ING Hafiz M. Muddassir CEng FIMechE, CEO of MECHESOL, closely observed the final round of the competition, showing keen interest in the participants' designs and technical strategies. His presence underscored the importance of industry-backed mentorship and real-world application of engineering principles.
Knowledge Sharing and Industry Insights
During the result compilation, Dr. Riaz Mufti, Technical Director at Hybrid Engineering and faculty member at NUST SMME, delivered an insightful technical talk titled "Lab to Industry." His speech encouraged participants to bridge the gap between academic research and industry-ready solutions, emphasising the importance of practical implementation in engineering.
Closing Ceremony and Acknowledgments
Following the technical discussions, Chair IMechE Pakistan Group, EUR ING Hafiz M. Muddassir CEng FIMechE, took the stage for the closing address, emphasising the vision of IMechE Pakistan in fostering engineering excellence and the vital role of such competitions in inspiring future generations of engineers. He spoke about how industry partnerships enhance technical education and how platforms like AKDC offer invaluable hands-on experience to young engineers.
Furthermore, he led a mentorship session for Young Members, discussing career development, continuous professional growth, and the pathways engineers can take to shape the future of mechanical engineering. His engagement with students and early-career engineers provided valuable insights into navigating the engineering industry and leveraging professional platforms like IMechE for success.
Afterwards, Dr. Aneela Wakeel, Hon. Secretary IMechE Pakistan Group & Advisor to IMechE UET Taxila Chapter, extended her gratitude to all participants, judges, sponsors, and organising teams for making the event a grand success. The audience was introduced to the IMechE Pakistan Automotive Centre initiative by Syed Muhammad Ali CEng FIMechE and Dr. Muhammad Tufail, highlighting its mission to foster engineering excellence and industry-academia collaboration.
In recognition of their valuable contributions, shields were presented to the esteemed judges, guest speakers, and sponsors, for their unwavering support in making the event a grand success.
The event concluded with photo sessions featuring Chair IMechE Pakistan Group, EUR ING Hafiz M. Muddassir CEng FIMechE, the winners, organizing teams, and key sponsors, capturing the essence of collaboration, mentorship, and engineering excellence.
Impact and Legacy
The AKDC Nationals’24 left a lasting impression, inspiring young engineers to push the boundaries of creativity and problem-solving. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, the event strengthened IMechE Pakistan’s mission to advance mechanical engineering excellence. The role of corporate leaders in such competitions, as demonstrated by Chair IMechE Pakistan Group, EUR ING Hafiz M. Muddassir CEng FIMechE, CEO of MECHESOL, was crucial in bridging the gap between industry expectations and student learning experiences. The competition concluded with a group photograph featuring judges, guests, faculty members, winners, and organizing teams, highlighting the collective effort in making AKDC Nationals’24 a remarkable success in the Pakistani engineering landscape.