MOTIVATION STATEMENT

Masters in European Erasmus Mundus Course of “Sustainable Constructions under natural hazards and
catastrophic events” is my immediate ambition. Accomplishing master program under the supervision of
ingenious alumni will definitely enhance my breadth and depth of knowledge in the field of structural
engineering. My graduation research in Seismic Assessment of Reinforced Concrete structures and
professional experience as a structural engineering in a leading engineering consultancy firm of Pakistan
would substantially help me to come up with feasible and modest engineering solutions of complexities
related to sustainable constructions under natural hazards.

I have graduated in 2014 with bachelors of Civil Engineering with emphasis in Structural Engineering from
National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), which is number one prestigious Engineering
Institute of Pakistan and is currently ranked 417th in the world by QS, UK. In subject-wise ranking, it is also
rated among the top 300 universities in Engineering & IT (250th). I maintained an outstanding academic
career. I had the honor of being among the top 2% of my class throughout my educational career. I earned a
CGPA of 3.85 out of 4.0 during BE Civil Engineering. I was awarded “Rectors Gold Medal” for best final year
project during undergraduate studies. I also received “Merit Based Scholarship” in all the semesters during
BE Civil Engineering.

After Kashmir earthquake of October, 2005, many construction and design deficiencies are exposed because
of the mighty quake (Magnitude =7.6). The earthquake devastated the northern part of the country causing a
large number of buildings to collapse and leaving thousands deprived of their homes and beloved ones
therefore, the passion to make the built environment safe from natural hazards has motivated me to pursue
my bachelor’s research on Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of Typical Reinforced Concrete Buildings of
Pakistan. This project provides the extent to which, the existing infrastructure is vulnerable to natural hazards
i.e Earthquake. The research incorporates the probabilistic nature of construction deficiencies and
irregularities in the infrastructure which truly depict the sustainability of the building stock of Pakistan in case
of an earthquake for which I was awarded Rector’s Gold Medal for Best Final Year Project.

The recent earthquake on 26th October, 2015 (magnitude = 8.1) in the Hindu Kush region have once again
uncovered the construction deficiencies in the existing infrastructure of Pakistan; Therefore, there is a dire
need of sustainable construction under natural hazards ultimately leading towards less vulnerable lives and
reduces the probability of undue fatalities during calamity like 2005 Kashmir or 2015 Hindu Kush earthquake
and frequent floods due to heavy monsoon rainfall. So, I intend to pursue Maters Course of “Sustainable
Constructions under natural hazards and catastrophic events” which is extremely relevant to my field of
interest and passion. My final year thesis on seismic analysis was solely based on assessing sustainability of
existing structures in case of a natural hazard e.g. earthquake. Moreover I have relevant job experience as
well which will help me in my post graduate studies.

During past one and a half year I have cherished the experience of designing several sustainable structures
under guidance of my senior engineers. I am engaged in the designing of several worth mentioning mega
projects. Designed 150 MW Powerhouse of Patrind Hydro-Power Project in Kashmir and Stations of Orange
Line Metro Train Project in Lahore. Currently I am working on the Seismic Evaluation and Retrofitting Design
Services for Cement and C.F Silo of Mapple Leaf Cement Factory Project located in MianWali, which have
been severely damaged in the recent earthquake in October, 2015.
In such a vast field of structural designing undergraduate knowledge constitute only basics. Although
designing of various structures having distinctive type and scale increased my knowledge of the subject but it
has also helped me to point out areas of improvement. Therefore it is right time to pursue for further studies
as now I am cognizant of the areas on which I will focus during master degree. My exceptional performance
both academically and professionally explicitly demonstrate my ability to excel in my intended carrier.

Regarding the Erasmus-Mundus program, it is certainly a unique learning opportunity, which is not just
related to academics but addresses a very wide scope. The opportunity to travel, learn about new cultures,
learn about new places and most importantly meeting new people is a once in a life time experience. My
interaction with different people during my bachelors, internships and finally job has taught me how to
accustom in different environments and challenging circumstances. These experiences would help me gel in
the diverse environment of the respective program. And certainly would be a great opportunity for me to
contribute to the diversity of the program. I am confident of meeting the high standards of Erasmus Mundus
Program; my industriousness and enthusiasm during undergraduate studies, which is amply reflected in my
being ranked at top, should serve as proof of my possessing the necessary qualities. Verily this opportunity is
exclusive and unique for me, as I am looking forward to a very enriching learning experience in terms of
academics and general exposure.