Call for implementation of building codes
By Bushra Rafique

ISLAMABAD—Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC)Professor Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman has said that future construction buildings in affected areas needs to be tailored according to local needs, problems and thru proper implementation of building codes. Following a strict criteria in reconstruction, the government would be able to prevent further human and financial losses.
He was addressing the inaugural session of International Earthquake Rehabilitation Conference as Chief Guest here at HEC Auditorium, Islamabad. He offered all the financial assistance from the HEC for developing constructive projects laid out by the participants of the Conference.
He further stated that National Centre of Excellence in Geology at University of Peshawar would be strengthened with more skilled faculty, equipment and resources. For the purpose a reasonable amount has alreadybeen allocated for the centre.
Syed Imtiaz Hussain Gilani, Vice-Chancellor, NWFP University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, in his opening speech stated the objectives of the conference which include getting international experts involved to share their experience in hazard assessment and present the recommendations for reconstruction and designing building codes that are relevant to our local needs. He further informed that UET Peshawar has already taken a lead in establishing the national earthquake, engineering centre funded by the HEC.
This centre will basically work for faculty development, need-based research and strategy for building structures. He also mentioned that some construction has already been started in affected areas without any proper strategy, however he urged the participants to come up with solid recommendations, so that would be strictly followed during reconstruction phase.
Major General Nadeem, Vice-Chairman of General Staff (VCGS) presented the over view of damages and management strategy of Federal Commission. He stressed the need to design building code as early as possible before the reconstruction of effected areas starts.
The first technical session was chaired by Dr. Asif Ali Khan Director Centre of Excellence in Geology University of Peshawar. Dr. Qaiser Ali from UET Peshawar, Rebecca Bendick from USA, Ahmad Hussain from Survey of Pakistan, Zahid Ali from PINSTECH Islamabad and Dr. Mona QAU Islamabad presented their papers in the session.
The 2nd technical session was on structures and codes in which Dr. Claudius Strobbia and Dr. Andrea Penna from Italy, Prof. Dr. Miha Tomazevic from Slovenia, Prof. Dr. Mihail Garevski from Macedonia and Engr. Saif Hussain from USA presented their papers.