Pakistan Engineering Council – Role and Objectives

Question: What is the Pakistan Engineering Council and what are its core objectives?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: Pakistan Engineering Council is a statutory body responsible for regulating the engineering profession. It approves engineering universities, registers contractors and consultants for public sector projects, and sets standards aligned with national and international engineering requirements. It works for engineers’ welfare, growth, and personal development. I first joined PEC in 2015 and was elected Chairman for a three-year term from 2015 to 2018, re-elected for a second term from 2018 to 2021. PEC’s project volume grew from PKR 700 million to over 10 billion, achieving financial self-sufficiency. Our objectives included building incubation centers, supporting startups, and creating pathways for young engineers. We developed three nine-story buildings in Lahore, Islamabad, and Karachi to provide dedicated workspaces. Through the Engineering Foundation, companies gained banking support and bid guarantees to become globally competitive.

Graduate Employment Challenges

Question: Many graduates follow the due process but still struggle to find the right jobs. Why?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: Many graduates follow the formal application processes, yet they still struggle to secure suitable employment. This is largely due to weaknesses in the overall ecosystem connecting education to the job market. While universities are rich in talent and energy, they often lack structured programs for concept development, practical training, and exposure to industry realities. Many students have innovative ideas and potential, but they do not have access to the necessary facilities, mentorship, or financial support to transform these ideas into viable projects or career-ready skills. To address this, there is a critical need for low- or zero-interest funding mechanisms, capacity-building programs, and structured support systems that nurture talent from the classroom to the workplace. By learning from successful models in other countries where incubation, skill development, and financial facilitation are integrated into the academic system , Pakistan can bridge the gap between graduate potential and employability, enabling students to translate their knowledge, creativity, and energy into meaningful careers and entrepreneurial ventures.

Relevance of an Engineering Degree

Question: How does a meaningful engineering degree turn into a meaningless one over time?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: Many degrees including engineering, medicine, and MBAs—are gradually losing their relevance in the job market. While these programs provide theoretical knowledge, employers increasingly prioritize practical, job-ready skills that graduates can apply immediately. When universities fail to equip students with hands-on experience, problem-solving abilities, and exposure to real-world challenges, even a prestigious degree can become largely symbolic rather than meaningful. For example, a project at the Textile University aimed to develop a skilled workforce using modern computerized systems and industry-relevant training. While the project had immense potential, the core vision and systematic follow-through were not sustained, resulting in a gap between the skills students acquired and the expectations of the job market. To maintain the value of degrees, it is essential to integrate practical training, project-based learning, and continuous skill development into curricula. Encouraging self-driven learning, exposure to technology

Culture at PEC

Question: What was the culture of PEC during your tenure?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: My focus was on human resources and technology. Recruiting the best talent and implementing modern systems made PEC exemplary. Integrating technology was essential for transparency, accountability, and meaningful progress.

Skills for Global Competitiveness

Question: Global reports identify adaptability, flexibility, resilience, technical skills, and certification as top global graduate skills. What is your view?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: China’s progress shows the importance of reverse engineering, small gradual growth, and bringing knowledge home. We must develop entrepreneurs, not just job seekers. Innovation drives engineering, and education must create well-rounded human beings with ethics, character, and industry connections. Degrees lose relevance if the industry cannot absorb graduates.

Motivation to Enter Agriculture

Question: What was your vision behind entering the agriculture business?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: After twenty years in corporate work, financial pressures pushed me to seek a better future. With my brother’s support, I left my original profession in 1989, and after initial struggles, a Chinese loan approval transformed the journey.

Origin of the Business Idea

Question: What was the business idea of your business?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: A WAPDA colleague encouraged me to enter the pesticide business. Initially importing products, I eventually focused on pesticides full-time. Through R&D, we developed Pakistan’s largest private genetic modification lab worth PKR 1 billion. Our heat- and pest-resistant cotton seeds revolutionized production. Innovation and long-term vision drove our decisions.

Scaling Up

Question: You started humble; at what point did you feel the need to scale up?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: After achieving 200–300% growth in the first two years, we hit a financial roadblock. Support from friends and professional contacts allowed us to secure funding, highlighting the importance of trust, reputation, and relationships in business.

Challenges in Full-Scale Expansion

Question: Scaling from buying and selling to becoming a full-scale company what challenges did you face?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: Challenges were enormous. We built a dedicated R&D team and focused on contributing to Pakistan’s progress. Breakthroughs included heat-resistant cotton and Cornolara seed development, providing stability and resilience for farmers amid climate challenges.

Balancing Profit and Purpose

Question: How do you balance profit and purpose especially for small farmers?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: For us, purpose comes first, and profit naturally follows. In supporting small farmers, our priority is to ensure that essential inputs, such as seeds, remain afFourable while still investing in research and development to improve quality and productivity. For instance, our canola and cotton seeds are priced fairly, yet deliver high yields, directly benefiting farmers’ incomes. Similarly, new varieties of rice seeds have been developed to increase productivity and resilience, helping farmers achieve better harvests. This approach not only enhances agricultural output but also builds trust with farmers, strengthens market relationships, and ensures long-term sustainability. By balancing social purpose with strategic investment, we create a model where farmers’ welfare and business growth reinforce each other, demonstrating that ethical practices and profitability can coexist successfully.

Farmer Support and Resources

Question: What about capital, technology, literacy, awareness, and the financial system for farmers?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: Farmers face multiple challenges, including low crop yields, high input costs, limited access to capital, and gaps in education and awareness. Addressing these issues requires a combination of practical training, financial support, and technology adoption. Through our CSR initiatives in 156 villages, we educated farmers on modern agricultural techniques, the use of improved seed varieties, and effective weed and pest management. Field teams worked directly with local communities, ensuring knowledge transfer and creating measurable improvements in productivity and livelihoods. Additionally, the strategic expansion of crops such as canola not only increases farmers’ income but also reduces the country’s dependence on imports, strengthening economic resilience. By combining literacy, training, financial facilitation, and access to technology, we can empower farmers to adopt best practices, improve efficiency, and contribute more substantially to both local and national economies.

Pest-Resistant Seed Varieties

Question: How did your pest-resistant seed varieties originate? What was the engineering element?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: Over the course of 20 years of dedicated research and development, we engineered integrated pest-resistant seed varieties designed to protect crops at all stages of their life cycle with a single application. This innovation significantly reduced input costs for farmers while enhancing yields and crop resilience. From an engineering perspective, the process involved designing a systematic, science-based approach that combined genetics, agronomy, and sustainable pest management practices. The result was Pakistan’s first comprehensive, ethical pest-resistant solution one that balances productivity, cost-efficiency, and environmental responsibility. By integrating engineering principles into agricultural research, we were able to create solutions that not only serve farmers’ immediate needs but also contribute to long-term sustainability in the sector.

Synergy Between Agriculture and Engineering

Question: Agriculture and engineering are two pillars of the economy. How can synergy be created?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: Work for society, not just profit. Continuous R&D, technology, and creative thinking across sectors create synergy. Leadership must provide direction and scalability. Gene technology and advanced research can prepare future leaders.

Leadership Style

Question: What kind of leader are you?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: I maintain respectful, patient relationships with all staff. Humility is essential, and I treat the position of Chairman as a responsibility from Allah, channeling emotion constructively and aligning tasks with individual strengths.

Handling Pressure Situations

Question: As a chairman, how did you handle pressure situations?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: Faith in Allah guides me. Difficult situations are lessons for growth. I never shout or blame others; I pray, reflect, and trust the outcome.

Advice for Young Professionals

Question: Advice for young individuals entering the field

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: AI programs must link closely with industry. Students should develop practical skills and entrepreneurial mindset from the first semester. Hands-on experience and early earning opportunities prepare students to contribute effectively.

Industry, Academia, and Governance Alignment

Question: How should industry, academia, and governance align?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: Education must meet real industry needs. Industry should guide academia, and universities must continuously update knowledge.

Becoming a Productive Contributor

Question: How can a young person become a productive contributor to society?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: With six months of training, dedication, and motivation, anyone can become productive. Future success depends on personal effort.

Economic Contributions of Four Brothers Group

Question: How have Four Brothers Group’s projects contributed to Pakistan’s economic resilience?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: Over the past 20-plus years, Four Brothers Group has significantly contributed to Pakistan’s economic resilience through strategic investments in agricultural research and development. This includes the establishment of a PKR 1 billion private genetic laboratory, the development of high-quality cotton and canola seeds, and the introduction of sustainable agricultural innovations. These initiatives have strengthened national food security, increased crop productivity, and reduced dependence on imports, while creating employment and capacity-building opportunities in rural areas. By combining scientific research, engineering expertise, and a focus on long-term sustainability, Four Brothers Group has demonstrated how private-sector innovation can play a pivotal role in supporting the nation’s agricultural sector and overall economic stability.

Self-Sufficiency in Agriculture

Question: Can Pakistan become self-sufficient in seeds, fertilizers, and machinery?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: Yes, with the right environment and long-term business planning.

Sustainable Development

Question: How do we develop sustainably as a country?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: Companies must develop human resources via CSR, incentivize private sector contributions, and meet defined targets.

Future of Pakistan

Question: Where do you see Pakistan in the coming years if the country works in the right spirit?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: Pakistan’s strength lies in agriculture; with focus, the nation can be uplifted.

Positioning Globally with Premium Products

Question: How can Pakistan position itself globally with premium products?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: Focus on value-added crops, create new markets, and invest in premium product development.

Motivation Throughout Life

Question: What has motivated your work throughout your life?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: Innovation and the drive to do something new.

Proudest Moment

Question: What was your proudest moment in life?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: Trusting God, progressing step by step, and earning deep respect from my family.

Potential of Pakistan’s Agriculture Sector

Question: What is the real potential of Pakistan’s agriculture sector?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: The potential of Pakistan’s agriculture sector is immense. With the implementation of the right policies, investment in modern technology, and development of skilled professionals, the sector can significantly contribute to economic growth, food security, and export earnings. Pakistan has fertile land, a favorable climate, and a large workforce—if leveraged strategically, these assets can transform agriculture into a driver of national prosperity and global competitiveness.

Desired Collaborations

Question: Which international or national personality would you like to collaborate with?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: Anyone who brings knowledge and challenge; collaboration is welcome.

Morning Routine

Question: What is your morning routine?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: I begin my workday at 6 AM every morning, a habit I have maintained consistently since my university days and professional experience in China. Starting early allows me to focus, plan effectively, and approach the day with discipline and clarity.

Legacy and Message for the Team

Question: What does legacy mean to you? Any message for our team?

Engr. Javed Salim Qureshi: Legacy connects industry and academia. Dedicated small teams, international exposure, and understanding industry needs produce the best human resources and results globally.