Engr. Mohammad Siddiq
Chairman
Engr. Mohammad Siddiq, Founder and Chairman of Afghanistan Engineers Council (AEC), is a visionary engineering leader with a strong foundation in technical excellence and professional integrity. With an academic and professional background in engineering. Engr. Siddiq was born on July 23, 1993. He graduated from National Defense University and Air University with degrees in Engineering in 2018, and then a certification in Engineering Leadership from Cornel University, New York and is currently pursuing Master of Science degree in Engineering Management Concentration Industrial at Texas State University, where he has received his PhD offer from Texas State University as well.
Engr. Siddiq brings a unique combination of leadership acumen and engineering expertise. From 2011 till present, he has been successfully working in various leadership and engineering roles in government and private industries. In his academic career, he has served as an instructor/lecturer at multiple professional institutions, contributing to the education and development of future engineers and professionals. In 2020, he established a foundation dedicated to supporting fellow Afghans, particularly service through educational initiatives.
Mr. Siddiq joined Tesla in 2022, applying his engineering expertise to a range of leadership and engineering roles across the full spectrum of automotive manufacturing and product development. During his tenure at Tesla Engineering, he has led and contributed to high-impact projects focused on abuse testing, thermal events and mechanical systems, and research and development. His job has spanned across multiple domains, not limited to automotive vehicles but also including Tesla’s cutting-edge technologies in battery systems, solar energy products, and the Optimus packs (Robots). In support of these initiatives, he has traveled extensively to several Tesla Gigafactories, engineering sites, and R&D Labs across US, contributing to the testing of critical projects with a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability. since august, 2024 he has been working as an engineer at KLA Corporation, a leading global semiconductor manufacturing company headquartered in Silicon Valley, California. His role involves a broad scope of responsibilities and projects, including mechanical, manufacturing, testing of advanced inspection systems, and conducting technical training.
In early 2025, Engr. Siddiq and a team of professional engineers established Afghanistan Engineers Council (AEC). As chairman, he led the effort founding a national professional organization with the principal objectives of promote and advancing education, professional development, women in engineering, research, scientific culture and uniting all Afghan engineers, reflecting the international model of esteemed engineering councils and societies around the world, with a strong commitment to national development and public welfare.
Dr. Raz Mohammad Amini
Vice Chairman
Dr. Amini as a distinguished figure among the Afghan academic and cultural community. He was born in 1996 in Shirin Tagab District, Faryab Province, Afghanistan Mr. Amini currently serves as the vice chairman of Afghanistan Engineers Council. He has played a significant role in education, engineering, and social services.
He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Construction Management from K. N. Toosi University of Technology, a master’s degree from Islamic Azad University, Tehran Central Branch, and a Bachelor’s degree from Faryab State University.
Professionally, Mr. Amini has diverse experience, including site supervision in road construction projects, technical expert at Amniyat Avaran Novin construction company. In addition to his technical and academic achievements, Mr. Amini is the founder of Golzar Charity Foundation and Derkhshan Joya Services Company, both focused on empowering underprivileged Afghan communities. He has also served as president of the Faryab Student Union in the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Mr. Amini has organized numerous academic and cultural events, including over 10 scientific programs at Kharazmi University, a major academic and engineering conference at the University of Tehran. He has successfully assisted over 500 international Afghan students in enrolling in Iranian universities and supported more than 1,000 out-of-school children in southern Tehran by organizing educational classes and offering healthcare and basic living aid.
He holds several certificates of appreciation from universities, cultural institutions, and volunteer organizations in both Iran and Afghanistan, recognizing his long-standing contributions to civil society and youth development.
Dr. Amini exemplifies a new generation of educated and socially committed Afghan professionals, striving for social progress, unity, and empowerment through knowledge, action, and compassion.
Dr. Abdul Hakim Irfan
Executive Director
Dr. Abdul Hakim Irfan is a distinguished professional engineer and academic leader, currently serving as the Executive Director of Afghanistan Engineers Council (AEC). He was born in Parwan province, he has completed his primary and secondary education in Baghlan, northeastern Afghanistan. Driven by a deep passion for engineering, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at Kabul Polytechnic University. His academic journey continued abroad, where he earned a master’s degree in construction management from Sharda University and a Ph.D. in Structural Engineering with high distinction from Jamia Millia Islamia, one of India’s top-ranked universities.
With over a decade of professional and academic experience, Dr. Irfan has made significant contributions to Afghanistan’s engineering sector. He is the founder of the Irfan Engineering Center and Engineering Association and has held senior roles including Senior Structural Engineer and Design Specialist at both the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Finance. Throughout his career, he has successfully led numerous high-impact infrastructure and design projects, reflecting his commitment to engineering excellence and national development.
Dr. Irfan is an accomplished professor with more than 10 years of teaching experience at prominent universities and technical institutions. His dedication to educating and mentoring the next generation of engineers has earned him recognition as a respected scholar and thought leader in Afghanistan’s engineering community. Through his combined work in academia, public service, and engineering, Dr. Irfan continues to play a pivotal role in raising professional standards and advancing technical capacity across the country.
Engr. Muhammad Murtaza Muradi
Secretary
Engr. Mohammad Murtaza Moradi is a dedicated professional engineer currently serving as the secretary of Afghanistan Engineers Council. As a civil engineer specializing in earthquake-resistant structural design, Building Information Modeling (BIM), and construction project execution. He graduated from the Department of Civil Engineering, Jawzjan University in 2020. Mr. Muradi previously worked as the Liaison Engineer of AEC. He is the Founder and Owner of UFOOQ-E-BLAND Construction & Road Company and currently works as a CAD Operator at NESTA DESIGN, a Canadian-based firm. His professional expertise includes the design of structures using software such as ETABS, SAFE, and SAP2000, as well as advanced BIM modeling and coordination in Revit.
Engr. Muradi also holds an official professional AutoCAD certification from Autodesk, reflecting his commitment to international drafting and BIM standards. His approach to engineering emphasizes performance-based design methodologies for seismic safety, interdisciplinary coordination, and high-quality project delivery through effective QC/QA systems. In addition to his professional career.
Engr. Muradi as the Secretary of Afghanistan Engineers Council (AEC) plays a significant role in strengthening organizational effectiveness by maintaining records of council meetings and decisions, facilitating transparent communication among members, and coordinating with national and international partners. He also supports the development of policies and programs that enhance professional growth for Afghan engineers, promotes knowledge-sharing and ethical practices, and helps represent Afghanistan’s engineering community on the global stage. Through his dual role as the AEC Secretary and an engineer, Engr. Moradi is dedicated to advancing technical excellence, fostering collaboration, and contributing to sustainable development.
Engr. Sosan Oria
Director of Women Engineers Committee
Engr. Sosan Oria, a dedicated engineer, is currently serving as the Director of Women Engineers Committee at Afghanistan Engineers Council (AEC). She is also a civil engineer and consultant at WSP, where she focuses on stormwater infrastructure, urban drainage systems, and sustainable design. Alongside her professional practice, she is pursuing her master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering at George Mason University and is actively preparing for her Professional Engineer (PE) license.
With a strong commitment to advancing technical excellence and empowering future generations, Engr. Oria plays a vital role in both engineering practice and community leadership. Her recent work includes contributions to municipal drainage and hydraulic projects, reflecting her expertise in sustainable urban infrastructure.
As the Director of Women Engineers Committee at AEC, Engr. Oria leads initiatives to strengthen the participation and visibility of Afghan women in engineering. Her responsibilities include promoting inclusivity and equal opportunity within the profession, organizing mentorship and training programs, creating leadership opportunities, and building networks that support women engineers nationally and internationally. Through her vision and dedication, she continues to inspire and empower the next generation of Afghan women engineers, while advancing the mission of the AEC and contributing to the growth of the engineering profession.
Engr. Shukrullah Kamal
Director of Finance Committee (Treasury)
Engr. Shukrullah Kamal is a dedicated Afghan engineer and academic researcher, currently serving as the Director of the Finance Committee (Treasury) of Afghanistan Engineers Council (AEC). He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the National Military Academy of Afghanistan and proudly served for seven years in the Afghanistan Air Force, where he specialized in avionics and aerospace systems. Building on his technical and leadership background, he is now pursuing a master’s degree in aerospace engineering with a concentration in Space Resources at the Colorado School of Mines, United States.
Engr. Kamal’s academic and research work focuses on the sustainable utilization of extraterrestrial resources, including the development of technologies for extracting water and using lunar and Martian regolith for construction in space environments. As a member of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Engr. Kamal is actively engaged in advancing aerospace engineering while sharing knowledge and innovations to inspire the next generation of engineers. He has as the Research Engineer at Afghanistan Engineers Council as well.
In his role as Director of the Finance Committee (Treasury) at AEC, Engr. Kamal oversees the council’s financial planning, budgeting, and resource allocation. He is responsible for ensuring transparency, accountability, and the sustainable management of funds to support AEC’s programs, initiatives, and long-term goals. His financial leadership ensures that resources are managed effectively and aligned with the council’s mission of advancing engineering education, research, and professional development.
Engr. Kamal continues to play a vital role in strengthening AEC’s institutional capacity. Through his financial guidance, academic expertise, and professional service, he is committed to contributing to a brighter and more sustainable future for Afghanistan’s engineering community.
Engr. Zia Fazily
Director of Education and Professional Development
Engr. Zia Fazily is a dedicated and accomplished Engineer with over 18 years of professional experience. Currently he is serving as the director of Education and Professional Development at Afghanistan Engineers Council. Engr. Fazily holds a master’s degree in civil/Structural Engineering from Kabul Polytechnic University and is skilled in leading engineering design and analysis using advanced tools such as ETABS, SAP2000, SAFE, AutoCAD, Civil 3D & GIS.
Throughout his career, Engr. Fazily has held significant positions across national and international organizations. He has been serving as a Senior Structural Engineer since 2016, leading the design and execution of major infrastructure projects with the Agha Khan Development Foundation (AKF), contributing to development and rehabilitation projects that improved community resilience and infrastructure. From 2007-2011, Mr. Fazily worked with CARE International Afghanistan as a Technical Facilitator and Field Supervisor, where he supported the implementation and supervision of rural development and construction projects.
In addition, he served as a Design Engineer with the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD/NABDP), further enhancing his expertise in structural design and project management.
Alongside his professional practice, Engr. Fazily is also a lecturer at Avicenna University, where he shares his knowledge and educates future engineers. Currently, he serves as the Director of Education and Professional Development at Afghanistan Engineers Council (AEC), where he is responsible for developing continuing education programs, promoting professional growth, and strengthening engineering standards in Afghanistan.
Through his leadership, industry contributions, and academic involvement, Engr. Zia Fazily continues to play an influential role in advancing engineering education and professional practice while empowering young Afghan engineers.
Ahmad Takal Niaz
Liaison Engineer
Engr. Ahmad Takal “Niaz” is a dedicated engineer, holding a bachelor’s degree in civil and industrial construction from Kabul Polytechnic University. With a strong commitment to innovation, infrastructure development, and professional excellence, he actively contributes to develop Afghanistan’s engineering sector. He currently serves as the Liaison Engineer (Public Relations officer) at the Afghanistan Engineers Council (AEC), where he plays a key role in promoting engineering values, ensuring effective communication, and fostering professional unity among Afghan engineers. Within this role, he also has responsibilities at the Cultural and Publications Committee, overseeing initiatives that strengthen the visibility and impact of AEC.
Throughout his career, Engr. Takal has worked with both governmental and private organizations, including the National Development Company and several private construction industries. His work has spanned technical engineering services, project management, supervision, and the execution of large-scale construction projects, all of which demonstrate practical expertise and leadership abilities.
As part of his responsibilities within AEC, Engr. Takal is entrusted with: Promoting engineering values, effectively reflecting the council’s activities, planning public relation programs, Preparing and publishing technical and professional content, expanding professional networking among engineers, Designing and managing cultural, training, and professional programs.
Dr. M. Hashim Pashtun
Board Member
Dr. Mohammad Hashim Pashtun is a scholar-practitioner, engineer, and development advocate whose career spans academia, infrastructure planning, and international development across Afghanistan, South Asia, and the United States. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with a specialization in Infrastructure Planning and Environmental Engineering from Ohio University, where his doctoral research focused on infrastructure assessment, project prioritization, and groundwater recharge. His academic work has produced peer-reviewed publications and applied research on transportation systems, water resources, and environmental planning. Before joining Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, Dr. Pashtun served for more than six years as a Research Engineer at the Ohio Research Institute for Transportation and the Environment (ORITE). At ORITE, he contributed to major projects on transportation asset management, sustainability in roadway design, and infrastructure evaluation tools, working at the intersection of engineering research and applied public policy. Dr. Pashtun has also held significant professional and academic positions in Afghanistan, where he collaborated with multiple government agencies and international partners on infrastructure and environmental initiatives. His work included engagements with the Ministry of Public Works, Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Urban Development, and the Afghan Railway Authority, where he advised on transportation corridors, urban planning, and long-term infrastructure strategies. He also worked with the National Environmental Protection Agency on regulatory compliance, environmental assessment, and sustainable development policies. In academia, he served as an Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering at Kabul University and as Associate Director of the Water Research Center, mentoring the next generation of Afghan engineers and contributing to applied research in water and infrastructure systems. Currently, serving as the Board Member of Afghanistan Engineers Council. At the Voinovich School, Dr. Pashtun earned his certification in Social Return on Investment (SROI) and now serves as an Economic and Infrastructure Development Specialist. In this role, he assists local and state governments across Ohio with infrastructure projects, strategic planning, assessments, evaluations, and economic development initiatives. His portfolio integrates advanced engineering methodologies with policy-driven planning to support resilient, equitable, and data-informed decision-making for communities. In addition to his technical and academic work, Dr. Pashtun is the Founder and Project Director of Afghan Thrive, a global initiative that provides free online education to Afghan women and girls. Since its launch, Afghan Thrive has enrolled thousands of learners inside Afghanistan and across the diaspora, offering access to Coursera-based courses, mentorship, and pathways to higher education.
Prof. Dip. Engr. Abdul Rashid Iqbal
Board Member
Prof. Dipl. Engr. Abdul Rashid Iqbal is one of Afghanistan’s distinguished academic and professional figures in the field of Geophysics, with over three decades of experience in education, research, and leadership. He has completed his higher education in Geophysics at Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University and has since served at Kabul Polytechnic University as a lecturer, dean, and university president. Throughout his long and dedicated career, Prof. Iqbal has held various key positions, including Academic Vice-Chancellor, Head of the Department of Petroleum and Gas Engineering, Dean of the Faculty of Geology and Mines, and ultimately as President of Kabul Polytechnic University. In addition to his academic and administrative roles, he has collaborated on numerous national and international projects with organizations such as IAM, CARE International, Solidarités, MEDAIR, Mercy Corps, CHF, and UN-Habitat. Prof. Iqbal possesses extensive expertise not only in the scientific and technical aspects of geophysics but also in project management, field supervision, technical reporting, and professional communications. He is fluent in Pashto, Dari, English, and Russian, and is widely recognized as one of the country’s prominent engineering scholars. Firmly believing in the transformative power of science and education for national development, Prof. Iqbal has remained committed to strengthening engineering capacities and advancing academic and professional standards in Afghanistan. Through teaching, research, and leadership, he has played a significant role in educating and mentoring a new generation of Afghan engineers. Message of the Engineer: “The establishment of Afghanistan Engineers Council marks a major and historic milestone in unifying, empowering, and elevating the professional status of engineers across the country. This Council, as an independent and specialized institution, can serve as a bridge between the government, the private sector, and academic and technical entities creating the foundation for sustainable growth, professional integrity, and the implementation of engineering principles and standards in national and infrastructure projects. Today, more than ever, Afghanistan needs knowledge, innovation, and the active participation of engineers in reconstruction and development. I firmly believe that Afghanistan Engineers Council, by bringing together the ideas and experiences of experts, can pave the way toward a prosperous, safe, and advanced future for our beloved country. I extend my best wishes for success, unity, and sincere service to all engineers inside and outside Afghanistan, especially those who have taken part in the establishment of this Council and the members of this emerging professional body.”