Engineer Muhammad Azfar Saleem is a Partner at ElekEn Associates, a prestigious firm founded in 1990 by a pioneering engineer. The firm has completed over 2,000 projects across various sectors, including healthcare, hospitals, high-rise buildings, commercial and residential developments, industrial zones, supermarkets, and more. Mr. Saleem has introduced new trends and technologies in electrical engineering in Pakistan, drawing from 16 years of consolidated experience in consultancy, design, execution, and project management. His hands-on leadership has positioned ElekEn as a leading consultancy firm in the country.
ARCHI TIMES Interview | Photographs by Engineer
BEFORE WE TALK ABOUT YOUR ENGINEERING WORK, CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOUR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND?
Muhammad Azfar Saleem (MAS): First and foremost, I thank Almighty Allah for everything I have today. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from Sir Syed University. As I ventured into the business world, I noticed a significant gap between technical experts and business professionals. To bridge that gap, I pursued an MBA from Iqra University, which gave me the tools to understand business operations better and act as a bridge between engineers and business stakeholders.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR FIRM AND ITS ROLE.
MAS: ElekEn Associates offers specialized electrical engineering consultancy with customized design solutions tailored to each project’s unique requirements. We work closely with architects, clients, and contractors to ensure smooth alignment at every stage. All our designs strictly adhere to international safety codes and standards.
Our services span MV/LV power generation and distribution, ELV systems, façade lighting, general and external lighting, obstruction lighting, IT infrastructure, and a range of MEP-related services.
While electrical engineering is often perceived as demanding and routine, our consulting environment transforms fresh graduates into competent designers, project managers, and communicators. We maintain a culture of openness where juniors are encouraged to shadow seniors. We also host annual training sessions to keep the team updated on the latest technologies.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE AT ElekEn?
MAS: I joined ElekEn right after completing my degree. Mr. Asghar Hussain, the founder and Principal Engineer, mentored me and helped shape my understanding of the field. I’m a go-getter by nature, so I seized every opportunity to learn-from design to project management to client relations.
Today, in addition to leading electrical design, project and construction management, budgeting, and value engineering, I also serve as the CFO and handle business development at the firm.
WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS DO YOU WORK ON AND ENJOY THE MOST?
MAS: Alhamdulillah, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of MEP projects, including:
– ICT and data centers
– Powerhouses
– Corporate offices and high-rise towers
– Hospitals and healthcare facilities
– Residential and industrial projects
– Mixed-use developments
– Shopping malls and retail outlets
– Educational institutions
– Mosques
– Energy audits and solar power projects
– Infrastructure planning for housing schemes
However, I particularly enjoy high-rise residential and corporate smart towers because of their multifunctional nature and the need for smart, globally-compliant solutions. I’m also passionate about projects that contribute to the environment, such as master planning of cities, forests, and deserts.
WITH SO MANY PARTNERS AT ELEKEN, HOW DO YOU DIVIDE RESPONSIBILITIES?
MAS: At ElekEn, we’re lucky to have a well-rounded team of partners with complementary skills. We operate on the principle of shared responsibility, which ensures every department is well-managed. I personally oversee design and finance, while other partners handle HR and also contribute to technical departments.
This collaborative approach allows us to identify issues early and maintain a balanced workflow. Each partner’s involvement in key areas ensures smooth coordination and accountability.
HOW IMPORTANT IS ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING IN SPATIAL DESIGN, AND WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER WHEN PLANNING IT?
MAS: Lighting brings architecture to life. It creates a visual connection between a space and its users. Whether natural or artificial, lighting plays a key role in how people perceive and experience a space.
To strike a balance between lighting and architecture, we focus on three key aspects:
1. Aesthetic – How the lighting complements the design and evokes emotion
2. Utility – Ensuring the space is functional
3. Efficiency – Using sustainable, energy-efficient solutions
Effective lighting design allows us to highlight specific architectural elements and create impactful environments.
HOW CAN AIR QUALITY, GREEN SPACES, DECARBONIZATION, AND ENERGY GENERATION BE IMPROVED IN PAKISTAN?
MAS: Despite economic challenges, Pakistan’s construction industry continues to push forward with high-rise residential and commercial projects. To promote sustainability:
– Developers should move away from fossil fuel-based systems.
– Projects should reserve land for green spaces and preserve mature trees, which offer unmatched environmental benefits.
– Cities should implement vehicle emission control systems, such as portable testing and ‘blue badges’ for low-emission vehicles.
– Improving public transportation with cleaner, more accessible options can significantly reduce pollution.
– Small dams can be built to boost hydropower and reduce our reliance on fossil fuels.
Sustainable development requires small, consistent steps, not just large investments.
WHAT’S YOUR OPINION ON SOLAR ENERGY USE IN PAKISTAN, ESPECIALLY IN HOMES?
MAS: Allah has gifted us with the Sun, and it’s our responsibility to make the most of it. Solar energy in homes is cost-effective and reliable, especially with the introduction of net metering, which allows users to sell excess electricity back to the grid.
In commercial buildings, solar systems are equally beneficial. However, due to NEPRA’s updated regulations, it’s now more advantageous to use storage-based systems instead of grid-tied setups.
WHAT’S THE ROLE OF MEP ENGINEERS IN BUILDING DESIGN?
MAS: A building cannot function properly without MEP input. It’s a collaborative effort between engineers and architects.
– Architects focus on design and aesthetics
– Engineers ensure functionality, safety, and compliance
From electrical and HVAC systems to plumbing and lighting, MEP engineers are responsible for making the architect’s vision viable, more practical, and safe.
WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED FROM OWNERS AND CONTRACTORS?
MAS: We often face challenges such as:
– Miscommunication between stakeholders
– Last-minute changes in material or design
– Delays due to labor issues or unskilled subcontractors
– Documentation errors
In today’s environment, the biggest issues are inflation, material shortages, financial instability, and unpredictable policies. Good planning and documentation help, but some risks are beyond control.
DO YOU HAVE A DREAM PROJECT IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING?
MAS: Yes. I’d love to work on a project that protects our environment, specifically, a system to prevent forest fires. The idea is to install smart sensors throughout forests that automatically alert authorities when a fire breaks out. It’s a simple yet vital system that requires precise engineering and could save countless lives and resources.
HOW WOULD YOU EXPLAIN THE USE OF AI IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING?
MAS: AI is a game-changer in electrical engineering. It can optimize energy systems, predict failures, enhance design accuracy, and make operations more efficient. In Pakistan, we can leverage AI to tackle energy challenges and create a more sustainable and reliable grid.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR FREE TIME?
MAS: In today’s fast-paced world, time is a valuable resource, and I believe it’s a blessing to find any spare moment. I’m someone who doesn’t like wasting two things: food and time. That’s why I make a conscious effort to use my free time productively. I plan ahead to ensure that any pockets of time during the day are spent meaningfully, whether that’s meeting with vendors, connecting with new clients, or simply expanding my knowledge of the market and industry. I also enjoy engaging with new people during my downtime, as it broadens my perspective and helps me approach situations with a more open and informed mindset.
AS A YOUNG PROFESSIONAL, WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THE NEXT GENERATION?
MAS: Have faith in Allah; He knows what’s best for you. Always give your best, and don’t do things half-heartedly. Be bold, be different, and strive for excellence. Remember, Allah created you to serve others-your family, your friends, your community. Your influence can change lives, even for people you’ve never met.
Don’t compare yourself to others. Discover and develop your own unique gifts. And when things go wrong, turn to Allah. He’s the ultimate source of success and happiness.
