ARCHI TIMES Interview | Photographs by Engineer
With over 15 years of industry experience, Engr. Syed Mojiz Mehdi Jafri is a dynamic force in the field of engineering consultancy. As a partner at ElekEn Associates, he brings an outstanding combination of technical depth, business acumen, and visionary leadership. Known as a doer and innovator, he thrives on one-of-a-kind projects, often setting new benchmarks in the industry. A staunch advocate for green and energy-efficient solutions, he actively combines his design sense with hands-on experience as an energy auditor, ensuring that sustainability is integrated into every phase of development. A natural team builder and mentor, he is widely respected for his people-first leadership style; believing strongly in the growth and success of every teammate. His ability to inspire, train, and focus on collaborative progress has helped foster a culture of mutual respect, learning, and excellence at ElekEn.
In this exclusive interview to ARCHI TIMES he talks about the his successful journey and other professional related issues.
BEFORE WE BEGIN TALKING ABOUT YOUR ENGINEERING, WOULD IT BE GOOD TO KNOW YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACK GROUND?
MOJIZ MEHDI JAFRI (MJ): My educational background is a classic example of ‘scoring big when it matters the most.’
Until Grade 6, I was an unremarkable student, promoted each year without distinction, often hovering below average. However, something shifted in Grade 7. It was as if a switch flipped. My academic attitude began to take shape, and things started falling into place. The turning point was my growing interest in Mathematics. What was once just another subject had become a catalyst that reshaped my entire academic trajectory.
From that moment on, there was no looking back. I consistently ranked among the top achievers in my class, and this turnaround earned me admission into Adamjee Government Science College, where I pursued Pre-Engineering. Building on that momentum, I secured a place at NED University of Engineering and Technology. I was part of the 2006-07 batch of the Electrical Engineering program and successfully completed my degree in four years.
This journey, from a struggling student to an engineering graduate, taught me that timing, focus, and self-belief can rewrite the script at any stage.
TELL US HOW YOU STARTED YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY?
MJ: At the time of graduating from NED University, I was, Alhamdulillah, blessed with a rare clarity about my profession. I already knew the kind of career I intended to pursue. In fact, my yearbook remark summed it up perfectly: “I want to become an Electrical Solution Provider.”
This wasn’t just a statement, it was a vision that guided my early career decisions. I was driven by a desire to apply engineering knowledge to real-world problems. With this purpose in mind, I actively sought roles that would allow me to work hands-on with electrical systems, deepen my understanding of power and control systems, and develop the mindset of a problem-solver or you can say a ‘Consultant’.
All praises to Almighty Allah, I was fortunate to find direction soon after graduating. While browsing through Engineering Review magazine, I came across a company called ElekEn Associates. Intrigued by their work, I visited their website and felt compelled to reach out. Without any prior appointment, I decided to walk in for an interview, driven purely by curiosity and hope.
To my great surprise, the founder, Mr. Asghar Siddiqui, graciously agreed to meet me on the spot. During our brief conversation, I discovered that he, too, was a proud NED alumnus, with deep respect for the institution and the engineers it produces. I immediately noticed two things about him:
1. He is a passionate engineer who truly loves his work.
2. He is a generous mentor, eager to guide young professionals.
That encounter left a lasting impression on me. To my amazement, Mr. Asghar offered me a position, without a formal technical interview. His belief in me, a fresh graduate with no prior industry experience, ignited a powerful sense of confidence and motivation within me.
This opportunity didn’t just mark the beginning of my career; it became the launchpad for unleashing my true potential.
PLEASE GIVE US AN INSIGHT ABOUT ELEKEN AND THE SERVICES THEY ARE OFFERING?
MJ: ElekEn is one of Pakistan’s leading multidisciplinary engineering firms, originally founded in 1989 with a focus on Electrical and IT services. Over the years, ElekEn have strategically expanded our expertise to offer complete MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) solutions, making us a trusted partner across diverse industries and project scales.
ElekEn enjoy a unique position in the market, operating across a remarkably broad range of sectors. The services extend from border crossing points to airports, and from multinational corporations to local grocery stores. We cater to high-rise towers and sprawling housing developments, data centers and software houses, hospitality venues and major hospitals, academic institutions and financial organizations, shopping malls and prayer areas, as well as retail outlets and manufacturing facilities, including textiles, pharmaceuticals, automobiles, FMCGs, and more.
In addition to the design and implementation capabilities, ElekEn also specializes in comprehensive energy and electrical audit services, helping clients in optimizing performance, ensuring compliance, and reducing operational costs.
In addition to its technical services, ElekEn is deeply committed to giving back to the engineering community. Over time, the company has evolved into more than just a service provider, it has transformed into an institution for professional development. ElekEn actively trains young engineers, equipping them with not only strong technical skills but also a foundation in integrity and sound engineering ethics. Through this initiative, we aim to contribute to the local market by producing well-rounded engineers who are ready to meet the industry’s growing challenges with professionalism and purpose.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT ELEKEN?
MJ: At ElekEn, I serve in a multi-faceted leadership role that reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of our organization. While my foundation lies in technical supervision, my core responsibilities extend into several strategic areas and people-centric functions that directly shape the company’s growth trajectory.
One of my most rewarding responsibilities is leading Business Development. This is where my passion truly lies, exploring new sectors, identifying untapped opportunities, and building long-term relationships with clients. I thrive on the challenge of opening new doors and aligning ElekEn’s diverse capabilities with the evolving needs of the market. For me, business development isn’t just about numbers; it’s about creating meaningful connections, adding real value, and driving purposeful growth.
I also oversee operations at our Lahore office. The Lahore market holds immense potential for engineering and infrastructure development, driven by rapid urbanization, sustainable development and, technology-driven solutions. From commercial high-rises and mixed-use developments to manufacturing plants, Lahore presents a diverse and vibrant project landscape.
At ElekEn, we see Lahore not just as a business opportunity, but as a strategic growth hub providing tangible benefits alongside many intangible advancements. My involvement in leading the Lahore office allows me to stay closely connected to this evolving ecosystem, understanding client needs firsthand, building strong local relationships, and positioning ElekEn as a key player in shaping the city’s future infrastructure.
Another key area under my purview is Human Resource Development (HRD). I am actively involved in identifying, attracting, and retaining the right talent for our organization. A critical part of this role is fostering effective communication across teams, ensuring feedback flows constructively, and every individual feels heard and empowered. I believe that strong communication is at the heart of a healthy work culture and is essential for unlocking the full potential of our people.
Wearing multiple hats keeps me connected to both the technical and human side of the business, ensuring that ElekEn continues to grow as a trusted name in engineering consultancy.
WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS AND ARCHITECTS DO YOU USUALLY COLLABORATE WITH, AND WHICH DO YOU MOST ENJOY WORKING WITH?
MJ: I truly enjoy working on diverse projects. It’s what keeps my professional journey exciting and fulfilling. I’ve always believed that “every day should feel like a new day,” and that mindset pushes me to constantly explore different avenues within the built environment. This passion for variety and experimentation is reflected in the breadth of my portfolio.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to contribute to a wide range of projects, including:
– Industrial facilities
– Hospitals and healthcare infrastructure
– Educational institutions such as schools and universities
– Mixed-use developments
– Hotels and resorts
– Data centers and IT campuses
– Retail outlets and commercial plazas
– Banking and financial institutions
– Office interiors and corporate spaces
– High-rise and luxury residential towers
– Urban and town planning projects
– Even art galleries and creative spaces
No account of my professional accomplishments would be complete without acknowledging the architectural practices I’ve had the privilege to collaborate with over the years. These partnerships have not only shaped my technical perspective but also enriched my understanding of design thinking, project coordination, and interdisciplinary synergy.
I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with some of the most respected names in the industry, including:
Ahed Associates, Ali Arshad Associates, Al Imam, Arcop, ASA, h3, NADA and NBCL, each known for their distinctive design philosophies and high standards of architectural excellence.
More recently, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the dynamic collaborations with forward-thinking studios like Architect Inc., Apostrophe, Coalesce, Identity, Open Door Design Studio, Scale, SRDW & Studio Arch. These engagements reflect a shared vision for innovative, user-centric, and future-ready built environments.
YOU HAVE SO MANY PARTNERS IN ELEKEN, HOW DO YOU WORK AND DECIDE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF DESIGN?
MJ: Well, we are often asked how we manage responsibilities with so many partners, the truth is, we’re not just partners; we’re a complementary leadership team built on mutual respect, shared values, and a deep understanding of each other’s strengths.
We are four partners, each bringing a distinct and valuable skill set to the table, from core engineering disciplines and strategic planning to client handling, project delivery and financial management. This diversity is our strength and has been instrumental in shaping ElekEn the way it is today.
We are especially fortunate to have our founder and senior partner, Mr. Asghar Siddiqui, as our CEO. His presence provides a strong backbone to the organization. His vast experience and wisdom play a vital role in guiding us through challenges and ensuring that ElekEn maintains a balanced, forward-thinking direction. He is the steady hand that keeps the equilibrium intact, especially in today’s fast-evolving landscape.
The other two partners, Azfar Saleem and Hammad Uz Zaman, who also happen to be brothers, are not only exceptional professionals but also trusted companions in this journey. Azfar and Hammad both wear key management hats, overseeing finance, administration, and playing pivotal roles in technical decision-making.
When it comes to client relationships and project distribution, the process is harmonious and consensus-driven. We each step in where our expertise fits best, and we’re always aligned in our commitment to deliver value.
On a personal note, I’d like to express my heartfelt appreciation for my partners. Hammad, a childhood friend since Grade 5, and Azfar, a friend since my very first day at ElekEn, have both been phenomenal sources of support, trust, and camaraderie. It is rare to find such alignment in both professional chemistry and personal bond.
May Allah (SWT) continue to strengthen this band of brothers and guide us to grow ElekEn with integrity, unity, and purpose.
THERE IS RECENT PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN SEM AND ELEKEN. HOW DO YOU SEE THAT FOR A CHANGE?
MJ: The newly formed SEM-ElekEn Partnership (SEP) represents more than just a partnership. It’s the beginning of a fresh wave in Pakistan’s MEP consulting industry. By uniting SEM Engineers’ rich legacy with ElekEn’s experience & vibrant energy, SEP brings together the perfect blend of experience and innovation.
With a combined strength of over 140 professionals and 80+ years of collective expertise, this partnership is designed to deliver smart, efficient, and future-ready MEP solutions.
What makes SEP stand out is its balance of seasoned knowledge and young leadership-a team that’s not just technically sound, but also driven by new ideas, energy, and purpose. It’s about more than just offering services; it’s about delivering excellence through collaboration, raising industry standards, and contributing meaningfully to Pakistan’s built environment.
In short, SEP is fostered to lead the next generation of MEP consultancy, combining depth, agility, and vision to serve clients better and deliver smarter.
WHAT IS YOUR OPINION ABOUT THE USE OF SOLAR ENERGY IN BUILDINGS GENERALLY IN PAKISTAN?
MJ: I’m a staunch supporter of solar energy, but a rational one. While I fully endorse the transition toward clean, renewable sources like solar, I also believe every decision should be made consciously, with a holistic understanding of its technical, financial, and systemic implications.
Pakistan is blessed with excellent solar potential, and tapping into it is both an economic and environmental imperative. However, as engineers and consultants, we cannot afford to look at solar integration in isolation.
One growing concern I often highlight is the impact of large-scale solar adoption on power quality, particularly the issue of Power Factor (PF) penalties. This is becoming increasingly common in commercial and industrial setups post-solar installation. Many clients assume that adding solar is a plug-and-play solution, but when reactive power isn’t managed properly, or capacitor banks aren’t optimized post-installation, the result is PF degradation and unexpected utility penalties.
At ElekEn, we advocate for a system-aware approach to solar:
– Proper load profiling
– Grid coordination
– Integration of power factor correction equipment
– Future-ready design thinking (battery integration, inverter scaling, etc.)
Yes, solar is the future, but only when implemented responsibly, with engineering foresight. We need to move away from the checkbox and off-the-shelf- solutions and focus more towards well-engineered, context-aware systems that deliver true sustainability without creating new operational challenges.
HAVE YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO WORK ON GREEN BUILDINGS OR PROJECTS INVOLVING INTERNATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY CERTIFICATIONS SUCH AS LEED, EDGE, OR OTHERS?
MJ: Alhamdulillah, over the past 15 years, I’ve been truly blessed by Almighty Allah (SWT) with a wealth of fabulous opportunities throughout my journey at ElekEn. I’ve had the privilege of working on several projects aimed at achieving international green building certifications, particularly LEED and EDGE. One notable example is Citibank’s office at Harbour Front and AWT Plaza, Karachi, one of the very first LEED-certified interior fit-out projects in Pakistan. Being part of that pioneering effort was both an honor and a learning experience.
I’m also grateful to have played a key role in Pakistan’s first EDGE-certified office building, the HBL Microfinance office in Gilgit. That project marked a major milestone, not just for me personally but for the country’s progress in sustainable construction. It served as a launchpad for several subsequent EDGE and EDGE Advanced certifications, setting a precedent for future-forward, climate-conscious design in remote and urban contexts alike.
WHAT KEY FACTORS SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN DESIGNING BUILDINGS IN TERMS OF SAFETY & ENERGY OPTIMIZATION, ALSO WHAT IMPORTANT TIPS WOULD YOU OFFER TO BOTH THE DESIGNERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC?
MJ: When it comes to designing for building safety, the process must go beyond compliance. It requires foresight, coordination, and a user-centric approach; considering not just how a building looks, but how it performs under emergency scenarios and over time. Fire safety system, critical system redundancy, accessibility, and clear evacuation strategies must be woven into the design from day one.
From my own journey, here are a few tips I’d offer to both the designers and the public at large:
– Keep learning – Codes evolve, technologies advance, and best practices shift. Stay updated.
– Don’t repeat mistakes – Learn from every project, especially the tough ones.
– Aim to get it right the first time – Rework costs time, money, and sometimes, safety.
– Think it through – Every line you draw or decision you make has downstream implications. Anticipate them.
Ultimately, good design is about making smart, informed choices- choices that protect people, conserve energy, and enable buildings to function at their best, year after year.
WHAT TYPES OF CHALLENGES HAVE YOU ENCOUNTERED WHILE WORKING WITH OWNERS/ARCHITECTS AND CONTRACTORS ON PROJECTS?
MJ: One of the most common issues is while working with owner/architects is frequent design revisions. While design evolution is natural, excessive or late-stage changes, particularly without understanding their downstream impact, can severely affect MEP planning. Even what may seem like a “minor architectural adjustment” can trigger significant redesigns in electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and fire protection systems.
Another critical issue is insufficient space allocation for MEP services. Often, architectural and structural layouts are finalized without considering the spatial needs of ducts, risers, cable trays, and equipment. This leads to on-site clashes, compromised functionality, or last-minute improvisation, which is neither efficient nor sustainable.
Another problem, particularly in projects led by builders and developers, is delayed overall project completion. These delays can stem from a variety of factors such as cash flow issues, decision-making bottlenecks, or shifting project priorities, but the impact of these delays on our progress and efficiencies is significant. That said, many of these challenges can be mitigated through:
– Early MEP involvement in design
– Better interdisciplinary coordination
– Clear change management protocols
– Fee revision due to EoT / Project delays
The challenges we face with the contractors are of different nature as compare that of owners. One of the most common issues is the lack of technically sound resources on-site. Many contractors operate with limited or underqualified supervision, which leads to poor execution of even well-designed systems. Site teams often lack the depth of understanding needed to interpret coordinated MEP drawings, resulting in errors, misalignments, or incomplete installations.
Another major concern is insufficient planning. We frequently see contractors mobilize without a proper methodology, sequencing strategy, or resource allocation. This reactive approach creates delays, disrupts coordination with other trades, and often compromises quality.
Additionally, there’s a recurring “excuse-driven” culture, where problems are explained away instead of addressed proactively. Rather than owning responsibility, some contractors tend to look for loopholes or fallback on variation orders (VOs) as a way to shift focus or extract additional commercial leverage, even when issues stem from poor internal planning.
These challenges underscore the importance of:
– Strong pre-construction planning
– Qualified site supervision
– Transparent communication
– And most importantly, a problem-solving mindset instead of an excuse-driven one
At ElekEn, we always strive to maintain open, constructive dialogue with all the stake holders but we also remain firm in ensuring that technical standards, timelines, and professional integrity are not compromised. It is about time that we all understand that MEP systems are not just add-ons, they’re the backbone of any building’s functionality.
CAN YOU PLEASE TELL OUR READERS, WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
MJ: I don’t get a lot of free time, but whenever I do, I try to use it intentionally. I often feel like I’m in a continuous search for meaning and personal growth, so I naturally gravitate toward activities that help me reflect, learn, and stay humble.
I spend time reading, particularly on topics related to religion, personal development, leadership, and human behavior. I’m also keen on soft skills development, attending webinars, and staying curious about new ideas and perspectives that can enrich both my personal and professional life.
Of course, nothing beats family time, playing with my kids, catching up with loved ones, and even sneaking in a bit of cricket, which has always been a refreshing escape for me. I also participate in home-schooling efforts for my kiddos, which is both challenging and rewarding. It keeps me engaged in their learning journey and helps me connect with them on a deeper level.
I’m also involved in volunteering and community well-being initiatives whenever possible. Whether it’s contributing time, ideas, or support to local causes, I strongly believe in giving back and being part of something larger than oneself.
For me, even limited free time is a chance to reset and refocus, so I try to make it count-whether it’s through a good book, meaningful conversation, or just being present with the people who matter.
AS YOU ARE YOUNG, WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO THE YOUNGER GENERATION?
MJ: My advice to the younger generation is simple but sincere:
– Keep learning. Keep experimenting. Never settle into a fixed mindset; that’s a limitation, not a strength.
– Effective communication can solve 80% of your problems. Learn to express yourself clearly, listen actively, and engage with empathy. Say what you mean, and more importantly, do what you say.
– Grow together. Celebrate others. Make your bonds strong. Relationships, whether personal or professional, are what sustain you through the highs and lows.
– Be assertive and set clear goals. Take ownership of your journey, and don’t be afraid to take responsibility.
– Above all, operate with integrity. No matter how talented or ambitious you are, without integrity, it all falls apart. Integrity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of leadership.
And remember this, Pakistan is full of potential, but it needs young creative minds to rise and serve with integrity, energy, and purpose. You don’t have to wait for the perfect moment.
Start now. Serve well. Make your mark and be the difference.
