Water and Power Development Authority

Karachi, March 14, 2013 (PPI-OT): Engr. Tariq Hameed, Ex Chairman WAPDA and Minister of Water and Power inaugurated the 13th National Conference on Geotechnical Engineering at Wapda House Auditorium in Lahore on Thursday, March 14, 2013. The Conference has been jointly organized by Wapda and Pakistan Geotechnical Engineering Society (PGES).

PGES is an elite body of Geotechnical Engineers and Geologists representing Pakistan at the international forums of Geotechnical Engineering including International Society for Soil Mechanics and Geotechnical Engineering. About 300 engineers, geologists and the allied professionals participated in the conference from across the country.

The Chief Guest was welcomed to the Conference by the PGES President Mr. Amjad Agha, a renowned Geotechnical Engineer and President of a large consulting house i.e. ACE. Mr. Agha underlined the importance of Geotechnical Engineering in the Civil Engineering projects and dynamic role played by PGES in promoting the cause of Geotechnical Engineering in Pakistan for the last 30 years.

Addressing the participants at the occasion, Mr. Tariq Hameed acknowledged the crucial role of Pakistani community of Geotechnical Engineers in National development in general and Hydropower Sector in particular. He emphasized that PGES should provide a platform to the Geotechnical Professionals for harnessing their expertise for developing hydropower and water resources of Pakistan.

Dr. Izhar ul Haq, Chairman of the Conference Organizing Committee provided brief background of the PGES and highlights of the two-day conference. A number of important technical papers were presented by International experts on various aspects of Geotechnical Engineering.

The papers included Gomal Zam Dam, Neelum Jhelum HPP and several other projects of national importance. More Technical Lectures and presentations shall be made on Friday morning during the second day of the conference. The representatives of the industry in geotechnical engineering also exhibited their products/equipment for the benefit of the profession.

For more information, contact:
Muhammad Abid Rana
Director Public Relations
Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA)
G-32, WAPDA House, Lahore
Tel: +9242 9920 2633 and +9242 9920 2211 -2033 -2029
Cell: +92333 445 8293
Email: mabidrana@gmail.com