I HAVE 20 years of education in engineering and technology, with DAE, BTech (Hons), MS and PhD. Yet, I am not eligible to apply for the position of sub-divisional officer (BPS-17) in the Works Department’s technology-oriented roles, such as operation, repair and maintenance. On the other hand, a BS, a civil engineering graduate with 16 years of education, only four of them spent studying engineering and technology, is eligible to apply for the post.

Our community of qualified personnel of more than 350,000 members has been suffering from this discriminatory policy while seeking employment in our own homeland. No one is raising our issue in the country as there is a big hurdle in the shape of the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), which has its representatives in almost every sector as well as in the legislature.

The PEC has been snatching for decades the right to earn an honourable living from engineers having a BTech degree, as the holders of such a degree are not considered eligible for jobs in engineering institutions and departments even after completing their MS and PhD.

Working in the Works Department is all about technology functions that has nothing to do with the PEC as it relates only to pure engineering disciplines, like mechanical, electrical, etc. However, the PEC has included technology in its Act as well, and is not allowing BTech (Hons) graduates to apply or get promoted in the department against vacancies in BPS-17 or above till they have registration with the PEC, which the PEC does not grant.

All this is because of the fact that the so-called National Technology Council and the Higher Education Commission have a PEC member on their respective boards. The authorities concerned should look into the issues being faced by BTech engineers who also have a right to decent employment.

Asad Zia
Pescara, Italy

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2021