Adnan Yousaf

Adnan attended the Tunnel Boring Machinery in Hydro Projects training in May 2025, and for him, this training could not have come at a better time. A civil engineer by training, Adnan is currently involved with the monitoring and construction functions of the Mohmand Hydropower Dam in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) region of Pakistan. Projected to generate around 800 MW of electricity, this project involves the construction of a massive 22 KM long network of tunnels.

“This training was really relevant for me. We learnt about various technologies and techniques – from Tunnel Boring Machine components like cutter heads, to how does one function in different geological conditions. Here in the KPK region we find a lot of metamorphic rock like schist. Schist is challenging to work in, because it is quite weak, and it’s almost like we have to stitch rocks together. But in Australia, I learned how machines can be operated effectively even in something as soft as clay! I definitely learnt how different geologies require different customizations in its planning, design and construction.”

Beyond the engineering aspect of tunnelling machinery, the training in Australia also proved to be useful in providing insights on other aspects of planning, such as land acquisition, social risk mitigation, and environmental, social impact assessment. “We met experts on land acquisition, labour laws and social inclusion in Australia, and they gave us many examples of how social issues in hydro projects were often resolved in Australia. I am still connected with one of them on LinkedIn and often reach out to her if I need help on certain issues."

Beyond technical skills, Adnan also talks about gaining certain soft skills from his time in Australia. He says that he learnt how to make information accessible to non-technical personnel. He noticed that non-engineering staff rarely want to know the nitty-gritties of the technical aspects. So, learning how to present project details in a way that is understandable to non-engineers while still painting an accurate picture of the progress achieved has been most helpful. For Adnan, his training has served as a treasure cove of information, upcoming technologies and innovation. Keen on implementing his newfound knowledge on projects across Pakistan, he is a true exemplar of what bridges between Australia and South Asia are capable of - bringing prosperity and driving advancement in South Asia, with Australia as a valuable collaborator and center for knowledge.