The Department of Civil Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering (FOE), in collaboration with leading industry stakeholders like Packages Group, Union Developers, NESPAK, and DESCON, successfully hosted the “2nd International Conference on New Trends in Civil Engineering” on December 9–10, 2024, at its Lahore campus. Spanning three venues—the Main Auditorium, Webinar Room, and Conference Room—the event included 13 technical sessions, panel discussions, and tech talks, bringing together global experts, researchers, and industry professionals.
Inaugural Session
Engr. Prof. Dr. Rizwan Shad, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, welcomed attendees, thanking chief guest Prof. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary, Federal Minister for Planning and Special Initiative, and guest of honor Mr. Amir Izhar, CEO of Izhar Construction. He also acknowledged the sponsors and urged participants to engage fully.
Engr. Prof. Dr. Kafeel Ahmed, Head of Civil Engineering, highlighted UCP’s strong Civil Engineering programs and recognized the contributions of sponsors, especially Packages Group and Union Developers. Prof. Ahsan Iqbal emphasized civil engineering’s vital role in national development and applauded UCP for uniting stakeholders. Pro-Rector Prof. Dr. Hammad Naveed proposed incorporating social scientists in future events to prioritize socially impactful infrastructure.
Key Sessions
– Main Auditorium: Keynote speeches included Engr. Sameer Zahur Khan, CEO of Rendel International UK, and Dr. Tahir Hayat, CEO of Diamir Basha Dam Consultants, along with research presentations and industrial talks by leading construction firms like Izhar Group, NESPAK, and HILTI.
– Webinar Room: Five tech talks and panel discussions featured international and local experts exploring advancements in Pakistan’s construction sector.
– Conference Room: Parallel technical sessions on December 10 allowed researchers from various universities to present and discuss their work.
Closing Ceremony
The event concluded with UCP Provost Mr. Muhammad Yaqoob appreciating the organizing team and suggesting future inclusion of student projects and job fairs. Shields were presented to the organizing committee, and Engr. Prof. Dr. Kafeel Ahmed acknowledged faculty and student contributions. A group photo marked the event’s success, and the dates for the next conference were announced: December 16–18, 2025.
