Chemical Engineering focuses on the design, operation, control, and optimisation of chemical, physical, and biological processes. Thus encompasses a vast range of industries, such as chemical, petrochemical, agriculture, energy conversion, mineral processing, advanced material, food, pharmaceutical, software development and biotechnological industries. A chemical engineer is a trained project manager, economist and planner.
Chemical engineering is considered one of the top five highly paid degrees in the World, but in Pakistan, chemical engineers are not even considered for their relevant jobs. For example chemical engineers are not considered for jobs in the petrochemical, environmental or pharmaceutical industries. Similarly jobs related to industry management, planning, energy or economic development also do not allow chemical engineer applicants, according to their advertised job descriptions.
This injustice with the chemical engineers is forcing most to seek work abroad. Due to which Pakistan is losing one of the most important technical work force, that are able to start an industrial revolution in Pakistan, and help the country become a developed first world nation. Therefore the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Pakistan Institute of Chemical Engineers (PICheE) and the Government of Pakistan are requested to promote chemical engineers for roles that are relevant to them, allowing the chemical engineers to use their unique skills in helping develop our nation into a modern industrialised country.
ENGR. S. K. BASEER,
Peshawar, September 2.