Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has signed a landmark agreement with Thar Coal Block-1 Power Generation Company, Sino Sindh Resources, and Shanghai Electric Engineering Consulting Company to launch a five-year training and exchange program for young Pakistani engineers. The initiative, tied to the Thar Block-1 project under CPEC, will provide hands-on technical training, Chinese language learning, and international exposure.
This collaboration comes as Pakistan continues to face a growing demand for skilled engineers, especially in the energy and mining sectors. Strengthening local expertise is seen as vital for meeting industrial needs and reducing reliance on foreign specialists.
Under the MoU, 20 engineering graduates will be trained each year through classroom sessions and field exposure in power and mining operations at Thar. In five years, 100 engineers will benefit from this program. Additionally, 5–10 engineers will travel annually to China for advanced short-term training in energy technologies.
The partnership also introduces a scholarship fund of Rs3.5 million per year to support 35 deserving students, with 175 scholarships to be awarded over five years. A Chinese language training program for up to 50 participants will further enhance communication and cooperation. Applications from women and students from disadvantaged backgrounds will receive priority.
Key Program Highlights
| Initiative | Details |
| Training at Thar | 20 engineers per year, total 100 in 5 years |
| Training in China | 5–10 engineers annually |
| Scholarships | Rs3.5m fund annually, 175 scholarships in 5 years |
| Language Training | 50 participants in Chinese language courses |
PEC Chairman Engr. Waseem Nazir said the initiative will open new career pathways for engineers while strengthening Pakistan’s capacity to meet future energy and industrial needs. The program reflects a deepening of CPEC cooperation beyond infrastructure, focusing on knowledge transfer and human capital development.