Brief Profile
Dr M. Akbar is a renowned power engineer, possessing rich experience of applied research. While undergoing postgraduate studies and later as a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Tokyo, Japan, Dr Akbar remained actively involved in research dealing with polymeric insulators and high-altitude HVDC insulation systems of Japanese electric utilities. Later, during his employment at Windsor University, Canada, Dr Akbar explored more economical alternatives of SF6 gas for practical use in high voltage circuit breakers and other power equipment.
Thereafter, during his ten years tenure at the University of Petroleum and minerals, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Dr. Akbar initiated a pioneering study dealing with pollution problems of 380 kV high voltage transmission lines in Saudi Arabia. The study, on successful completion, offered design criteria of insulation systems for safe and reliable operation of high voltage transmission lines in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In October 1991, Dr Akbar returned to Pakistan as the first Chief Executive of WAPDA’s High Voltage and Short circuit Laboratory (HVSCL), Rawat, Islamabad and provided meritorious services to the entire electrical power sector and set several landmarks towards national self-reliance in the specialized field of power equipment testing & certification while also realizing substantial saving of foreign exchange to the national exchequer. He pioneered goal-focused research on WAPDA’s problems, such as insulator pollution of 500 kV transmission line; failure of distribution transformers; and failure of surge arresters and offered pertinent feedback to the concerned WAPDA’s formations. Simultaneously, Dr Akbar promoted the cause of engineering profession through his dedicated voluntary services of multi-faceted nature to Pakistan Engineering Council, Ministries and several other academic and R&D institutions.
After his retirement as General Manager, WAPDA in December 2009, Dr Akbar Switched over to academics and served in different positions like, Professor, Dean, Director General and Vice-Chancellor. At present, Dr Akbar is a Professor at Faculty of Electrical Engineering at GIK Institute. Dr Akbar has Published over 80 research papers in national and international journals and conference prorceedings. He received numerous recognitions and awards both at national and international levels from employers as well as professional societies. He is life Senior Member, IEEE (USA).
