China to Train Pakistani Engineers Under CPEC

In a landmark development to strengthen Pakistan’s engineering workforce, the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with three Chinese companies — Thar Coal Block-1 Power Generation Company, Sino Sindh Resources, and Shanghai Electric Engineering Consulting Company. The agreement outlines a five-year training and capacity-building program that will provide young Pakistani engineers with professional exposure, international exchange opportunities, and language learning support.

This collaboration is part of the Thar Block-1 project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and is being hailed as a significant step towards empowering Pakistan’s engineers with skills needed in modern energy and mining technologies.

Training Opportunities for Pakistani Engineers

Under the agreement, 20 fresh engineering graduates from Pakistan will undergo six-week training every year at Thar Block-1. The training will include both classroom-based learning and hands-on experience in power plant and mining operations.

Over the next five years, a total of 100 engineers will benefit from this initiative. The program is designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical industrial requirements, enabling engineers to directly contribute to the country’s growing energy sector.

International Training Exchange with China

Beyond local training at Thar, the MoU also includes an international training exchange component. Each year, five to ten Pakistani engineers will be sent to China for advanced short-term training programs.

These engineers will receive specialized exposure to modern energy technologies, mining systems, and power generation practices, allowing them to bring back cutting-edge expertise to Pakistan. This exchange will not only enhance individual professional growth but also create strong people-to-people and institutional linkages between Pakistan and China.

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Scholarship Program for Pakistani Students

To further expand opportunities, the agreement includes a scholarship fund of Rs3.5 million annually. This fund will support 35 deserving engineering students across Pakistan each year, with a focus on those pursuing studies in energy and mining disciplines.

Over the five years of the program, 175 Pakistani students will be awarded scholarships to continue higher education in China. By supporting young talent, this initiative will help develop a pool of specialized professionals capable of contributing to Pakistan’s future industrial and energy projects.

Chinese Language Training Initiative

Another unique feature of the collaboration is the introduction of Chinese language training. Up to 50 participants will have the opportunity to learn Mandarin, improving their ability to communicate effectively with Chinese counterparts working on CPEC-related projects.

The language program is expected to significantly enhance cooperation between Pakistani and Chinese engineers by minimizing communication barriers. The training is also likely to improve employment opportunities for young engineers by giving them an additional professional skill.

Focus on Inclusivity: Women and Disadvantaged Students

The PEC and its Chinese partners have emphasized inclusivity in the program. Special preference will be given to women engineers and students from disadvantaged backgrounds, ensuring that opportunities reach all segments of society.

This approach aligns with Pakistan’s broader goals of promoting diversity in technical professions and creating an inclusive engineering workforce capable of contributing to national development.

Statements from PEC Leadership

The MoU was signed on behalf of PEC by Dr. Ashfaq A. Sheikh, Technical Advisor Regulations, in the presence of Chinese partners.

PEC Chairman, Engr. Waseem Nazir, described the initiative as a milestone for Pakistan’s engineering community.

“This agreement reflects PEC’s commitment to empowering young engineers through hands-on training, international exposure, and language learning. By engaging with Chinese expertise under CPEC, we are creating new career pathways for our engineers while building local capacity to meet Pakistan’s growing energy and industrial needs,” he stated.

Significance for Pakistan’s Engineering and Energy Sectors

The agreement holds immense importance for Pakistan’s energy security and industrial development. With increasing demand for skilled professionals in mining, renewable energy, and power generation, the program will produce a workforce equipped to handle modern challenges.

Moreover, by providing international exposure in China, Pakistani engineers will gain first-hand knowledge of advanced systems and practices that can be adapted to local needs. This exchange of knowledge will also strengthen Pakistan-China relations under the broader framework of CPEC cooperation.

Long-Term Impact of the Program

Experts believe the initiative will have a transformative impact on Pakistan’s engineering sector. Some of the expected outcomes include:

Development of a new generation of engineers trained in practical mining and power plant operations.

Strengthened technical collaboration between Pakistan and China.

Increased employment opportunities for young engineers, both locally and internationally.

Enhanced competitiveness of Pakistan’s workforce in the global energy sector.

Improved communication and project efficiency through Chinese language skills.

By the end of the five-year program, Pakistan will have not only trained engineers but also developed a sustainable model of academic-industry collaboration that could be replicated in other sectors.

The signing of this MoU between the Pakistan Engineering Council and Chinese companies marks a historic collaboration under the CPEC framework. With opportunities ranging from local training at Thar, international exposure in China, scholarship programs, and Chinese language learning, the initiative promises to reshape Pakistan’s engineering landscape.

As Pakistan continues to expand its energy and industrial infrastructure, programs like these will ensure that the country’s engineers are prepared to meet modern challenges while contributing to national development. The focus on inclusivity, skill-building, and international cooperation makes this a model initiative for future collaborations in Pakistan’s technical and professional sectors.