The landscape of engineering in Pakistan is undergoing dynamic transformation. At the heart of this change is the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Pakistan Engineering Development Board (EDB), Hamad Ali Mansoor, whose leadership vision is helping pave the way for innovation, sustainability, and global competitiveness across the country’s engineering ecosystem. For engineering firms like Gemcon Engineering, this leadership shift is more than administrative—it signals a renewed focus on strategic growth and industrial resilience.
A New Leadership Era at the EDB
In October 2025, the Government of Pakistan appointed Hamad Ali Mansoor as the CEO of the Engineering Development Board, ending a nine-month vacancy in the position that plays a pivotal role in shaping national engineering policy and industry facilitation. Mansoor’s appointment followed a competitive selection process involving 248 applicants, of which 33 were shortlisted and interviewed before the final decision was made.
With over 30 years of global experience in industrial strategy, sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and fiscal governance, Mansoor brings a blend of international expertise and local insight to the EDB. His educational background in Mechanical Engineering and an MBA from one of North America’s top business schools equips him with a unique perspective on bridging engineering competence with business acumen.
Vision for a Competitive and Future-Ready Engineering Sector
One of Mansoor’s immediate priorities has been to position Pakistan’s engineering industries on the global map. He has repeatedly stressed the need for local manufacturers, especially in the automotive sector, to expand their footprint internationally and shift focus from solely meeting domestic demand to exporting “Made-in-Pakistan” products. This initiative aims to tap into global markets and reinforce Pakistan’s competitive edge against regional peers like Bangladesh, Ethiopia, and Sri Lanka.
This focus on exports reflects a larger philosophy: engineering in Pakistan should not remain inward-looking but should actively engage with global supply chains and standards. For companies like Gemcon Engineering, this opens new avenues for strategic partnerships, international collaborations, and export-oriented designs, broadening business horizons beyond national borders.
Strengthening Industrial Standards and Quality
Under Mansoor’s leadership, the EDB has also been instrumental in updating safety, quality, and environmental standards for locally manufactured and imported vehicles. A comprehensive set of standards for vehicles less than five years old reflects a push toward higher engineering quality and consumer safety, signaling the Board’s commitment to establishing internationally aligned criteria within Pakistan’s manufacturing ecosystem.
Such regulatory enhancements are essential for Pakistan’s engineering firms to compete on quality, attract foreign buyers, and ensure that products meet global benchmarks. This evolution in standards is a positive step toward eliminating historic constraints in quality assurance while fostering trust in Pakistan-made engineering products.
Championing Technological Opportunity and Energy Innovation
In addition to export and quality standard initiatives, the EDB under Mansoor is actively involved in cutting-edge industrial policies that intersect with Pakistan’s broader aspirations for technological self-reliance. Recent deliberations regarding the manufacturing of lithium-ion batteries — critical for EVs, renewable energy storage, and modern electronics — demonstrate a strategic focus on future-ready technologies. The EDB’s engagement in the national discussion around a national lithium-ion battery policy reflects leadership that seeks to integrate Pakistan into global technological trends and energy transition goals.
For engineering firms like Gemcon Engineering, this push toward emerging technologies means more opportunities to develop expertise in high-growth sectors such as energy storage systems and sustainable infrastructure solutions.
Fostering Collaboration with Private Industry
Another hallmark of Mansoor’s leadership has been the emphasis on public-private collaboration. By forging stronger ties between the EDB, private sector players, and global investors, the Board is aligning industrial development with real-world engineering needs. Whether it’s through policy advocacy or facilitating industry-ready frameworks, this collaborative approach allows private engineering firms to scale, innovate, and contribute significantly to national output.
Such collaboration also supports Pakistan’s ambition of drawing more climate finance and investment in sustainable infrastructure projects—a core aspect of Mansoor’s portfolio based on his earlier global experience. This strategy is expected to bring new funding, improve project scale, and strengthen engineering capabilities throughout Pakistan.
Why This Matters to Gemcon Engineering
As one of Pakistan’s innovative engineering companies, Gemcon Engineering stands to benefit from the EDB’s strategic direction in multiple ways:
1. Enhanced Export Opportunities:
With a stronger push toward international markets, firms that adapt their manufacturing processes and designs for export can unlock new revenue streams.
2. Higher Quality Standards:
Updated regulatory norms drive engineering excellence, helping firms meet global standards and attract international clients.
3. Technology and Innovation Focus:
Participation in energy transition initiatives, such as lithium-ion battery manufacturing, places engineering companies at the forefront of high-growth industrial trends.
4. Regulatory Support:
Proactive policy frameworks can help simplify challenges around tariffs, tariff rationalization, technical advisory support, and market access.
5. Cross-Sector Collaboration:
The prevailing leadership approach encourages stronger linkages with private industry and investors, opening doors to collaborative projects and knowledge sharing.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite these advances, Pakistan’s engineering sector still faces challenges. The conflict between regulatory bodies over safety and certification frameworks, for instance, underscores the need for clear and unified standards that support both domestic competitiveness and global recognition.
However, with a visionary leader like Mansoor steering the EDB, there’s optimism that these issues will be resolved through dialogue and strategic planning rather than fragmentation.
Conclusion
The appointment of Hamad Ali Mansoor as the Chief of the Engineering Development Board marks a significant moment for Pakistan’s engineering fraternity. His leadership is guiding the sector toward global competitiveness, higher quality standards, strategic industry collaboration, and technological innovation.
For Gemcon Engineering, these developments are more than just headlines—they herald a future where Pakistani engineering can thrive on both national and global stages. As the EDB continues to implement forward-thinking initiatives, Pakistan’s engineering sector is set to become more dynamic, resilient, and internationally relevant than ever before.