Since joining CSAIL in 2014, I have had the privilege of witnessing and participating in the entire journey of the Karot Hydropower Project, from its initial preparations to its construction. These formative years provided me with a solid professional foundation and allowed me to build profound camaraderie with my Chinese colleagues. This foundational period of growth and collaboration has seamlessly paved the way for my further development and deeper involvement in CTGI.

▲Karot Hydropower Projec

By 2021, I had been promoted to Manager as the project entered the critical testing and commissioning phase. This was when years of planning and construction would be validated. Coordinating stakeholders, contractors, consultants, the Power Purchaser, and Grid Operator became my focus. Together, we prepared detailed testing protocols and executed rigorous commissioning tests on generators, excitation systems, transformers, and 500 kV switchyard equipment.

▲Monitoring plant performance with both Chinese and Pakistani colleagues

▲Honored as Outstanding Pakistani Staff of CPEC Projects in 2021

Watching the plant synchronize with the grid and generate its first megawatts was a moment etched in my memory. On 28 June 2022, the Karot Hydropower Plant achieved its Commercial Operation Date (COD). The hum of turbines became a powerful symbol of what a dedicated team, aligned with a shared vision, can accomplish.

With the plant operational, I transitioned to the Production Management Department. From June 2022 onward, my focus shifted to establishing an efficient Operations and Maintenance (O&M) system. Leading teams, mentoring engineers, and optimizing plant performance became my daily challenge. The lessons learned from my Chinese colleagues continued to guide me especially their emphasis on continuous improvement and rigorous quality management.

▲O&M team coordination and leadership activities

In 2024, I was honored with promotion to Senior Manager, a role that expanded my responsibilities toward long-term performance management, risk mitigation, and integration of digital monitoring systems.

▲Working at CTGI's headquarters in Beijing

The pinnacle of my journey came in 2025, when I revisited China this time as a seasoned professional representing years of growth. Beginning at CTGI’s headquarters in Beijing, I reconnected with colleagues and mentors whose support had been vital. Traveling next to Yichang, I stood before the awe-inspiring Three Gorges Dam, a marvel that had sparked my passion for hydropower.

▲Communicating with colleagues and mentors at CTGI's headquarters

Visits to Hohhot introduced me to CTGI’s new energy projects, where vast solar and wind farms stretched toward the horizon, embodying the future of power generation. In Harbin, I toured Harbin Electric Corporation, one of the key equipment manufacturers supporting our projects. My trip also took me to Nanjing for another FAT session and to Zhangjiakou, where solar and wind projects exemplified the integration of traditional and renewable energy sources.

▲Standing in front of the awe-inspiring Three Gorges Dam

Each city and project deepened my appreciation for CTGI’s vision and the global commitment to clean, sustainable energy.

Reflecting on my journey from that young engineer walking into Karot Power Company’s Islamabad office in 2014, I see how much has changed and yet how many principles remain the same. Patience, precision, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to quality have guided me through every challenge and triumph.

Today, as a Senior Manager, I am proud not only of the power plant that hums with life on the banks of the Jhelum River but also of the bonds forged between teams, the knowledge gained, and the path forged for future engineers.

The journey continues fueled by the same passion and determination I carried on that first day as I look toward a bright future with promise for renewable energy and sustainable progress.