To commemorate the academic accomplishments of students, 29th convocation of the Pakistan Navy Engineering College (PNEC), a constituent college of National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) was held on 29 November 2017 at Bahria auditorium Karachi. Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, Chief of the Naval Staff was the Chief Guest while Lieutenant General Naweed Zaman (Retd), Rector NUST and Rear Admiral Ather Mukhtar, Commander Karachi graced the occasion and conferred degrees to the graduating students.
In total 342 graduates were awarded degrees including 06 PhD, 37 Masters and 299 received bachelor degrees in the disciplines of Engineering and Management Information Systems. To acknowledge the outstanding academic performance of students in various disciplines, the Chief Guest awarded 26 medals to the position holders to include 10 President Gold Medals, 03 Chief of the Naval Staff Gold Medals, 07 Chancellors Silver Medals and 06 Rector Gold Medals.
While speaking to the students at the occasion, Admiral Zafar Mahmood Abbasi, Chief of the Naval Staff, congratulated the students and their parents on their success and stated that award of degree is the first step towards lifelong learning. He further stated that the Defence sector in general and Navies in particular are becoming increasingly technology intensive. Pakistan Navy is keeping pace with the new dictates by undertaking development projects for enhancing the operational capabilities of naval platforms and equipment. Particular emphasis is being accorded to indigenous development, where the future engineers have the foremost role to play.
The Naval Chief appreciated the role of Pakistan Navy and NUST for contributing in promoting education in the country. He also praised the participation of PNEC students in reflecting softer and progressive image of Pakistan at international level through participation in international events, Students Exchange Program and research & development.
Earlier in his welcome address, R/Admiral Imran Ahmad, Commandant PNEC welcomed and thanked Chief of the Naval Staff. He highlighted that PNEC has its graduates spread across the globe and in top organizations of the world. 90 percent of PNEC graduates are hired for employment within six months of graduation. PNEC will sign two MoUs with Chinese Universities in near future which will further open doors for students. In order to enhance intellectual and analytical abilities, the students are provided different forums to share and express their potential.
PNEC has established strong linkages with more than 50 renowned national and international industries. Students get hands-on experiences through internship programs and industrial visits. In 2017, Team PNEC participated in two international competitions and won the awards. He advised graduates to have faith in their capabilities and follow the core values of Faith, Integrity, Courage and Duty in their professional and personal pursuits.-PR