ISLAMABAD: Speakers at a technical lecture session at Institution of Engineers Pakistan, Rawalpindi-Islamabad Centre (IEP-RIC) urged young engineers to strictly follow professional ethics and moral values in their engineering practices. A press release issued on Monday said that the session was part of continuing professional development programme, initiated by IEP-RIC for creating awareness among young engineers about their duties and responsibilities towards the society. Renowned academician and former University of Engineering and Technology Taxila vice chancellor professor Sharif Bhatti delivered keynote lecture at the session. The session was also addressed by IEP-RIC’s Chairman Hafiz Ehsanul Haq Qazi, Vice Chairman Dr Attaullah Shah and Secretary Shafiqur Rehman. The session was followed by questioning that covered a wide range of matters related to moral values, professional ethics, good governance and self-accountability. Sharif Bhatti highlighted ethical concepts and theories that needed to be followed in engineering practices. He also spoke in detail about the code of ethics and relevant laws and rules for regulating the engineering profession in the best possible manner. The former vice chancellor said, “It is the fundamental duty of the engineers to ensure public health, safety and welfare of the people, while delivering their professional duties.” Bhatti said that engineers must refrain from practices like bribery, kickbacks and other forms of financial corruption, adding that honesty, integrity and loyalty should be a hallmark of their conduct and behaviour. IEP-RIC Chairman Hafiz Qazi said that a Muslim could best uphold professional practices by keeping in mind the fear of Allah Almighty and principle of self-accountability. He added that success in any profession could be achieved by promoting the Islamic code of life and professional ethics. Vice Chairman Dr Attaullah Shah said the IEP would continue to hold capacity development courses for guidance and awareness of the young engineers. He added that it would also hold a day-long seminar on climate change and water conservation which are the most crucial issues facing the country. The vice chairman also said that the centre would publish a book on professional ethics.