- Bottlenecks in transmission infrastructure, grid absorption capacity and administrative delays prevent full potential
- Reaching 25% solar contribution is a remarkable step towards energy diversification and sustainability
Interview with Mr. Khalid Tawab, former Senior Vice President, FPCCI
PAGE: Tell me about yourself, please:
Khalid Tawab: I am Chairman of Tawab Group of Companies, a renowned name in the manufacturing of paper, board, and steel. I have served as the Senior Vice President and Vice President of FPCCI (Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry) and the Karachi Chamber. I have been the honorary Consul General of Mozambique since 1989.
In recognition of my outstanding public services, I was awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz by the President of Pakistan in 2009. My company has received the FPCCI Exports Awards twice and the International Asia Award once for the highest exports. I am also a philanthropist and a trustee of the Aiwan-e-Tijarat-o-Sanat hospital. I have had the privilege of serving as a Minister in the caretaker government. Presently, I am chairman of Audit and Finance Committee of FPCCI – the most important committee of FPCCI
PAGE: Wind corridor along Sindh coast boasts abundance of clean energy, but infrastructure and administrative issues mean even installed wind turbines are not running at full capacity. What is your standpoint?
Khalid Tawab: The Gharo–Jhimpir wind corridor represents one of Pakistan’s most promising clean energy resources. However, despite significant investment, bottlenecks in transmission infrastructure, grid absorption capacity, and delays in administrative approvals prevent turbines from running at full potential. My standpoint is that without parallel investment in transmission lines, modern grid systems, and a more predictable regulatory framework, the benefits of this resource will remain underutilized. The private sector has shown commitment, but enabling policies and faster execution from the government side are critical.
PAGE: There are 36 wind power producers (WPPs) that have set up electricity generation plants along the Gharo-Jhimpir ‘wind energy corridor’ of Thatta and Jamshoro. These plants have a combined capacity of around 1,845 megawatts. What is your take on this?
Khalid Tawab: The presence of 36 WPPs with 1,845 MW of installed capacity is a strong achievement for Pakistan’s renewable energy footprint. However, the challenge lies in optimizing output and ensuring grid integration. Many plants face curtailment because the system cannot absorb power during peak generation hours. My view is that this capacity should not only be seen in terms of megawatts installed but also in terms of effective utilization. Strategic planning to enhance grid flexibility, coupled with storage solutions, is essential to realize the full value of this investment.
PAGE: Pakistan has joined the ‘25% solar club’, with solar becoming the single largest contributor to grid electricity, surpassing gas, water and coal. What is your perspective?
Khalid Tawab: Reaching the milestone where solar contributes 25% to grid electricity is a remarkable step toward energy diversification and sustainability. This demonstrates Pakistan’s ability to adopt global trends and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Yet, it also raises the issue of intermittency, since solar is weather-dependent. To make this achievement sustainable, Pakistan must prioritize hybrid systems, storage technologies, and investment in localized grids (microgrids) to balance supply and demand. This will ensure solar remains a reliable and growing component of our energy mix.
PAGE: The energy mix in the region is fast changing. Where does Pakistan stand vis-a-vis its regional counterparts?
Khalid Tawab: Regionally, countries like India and China are aggressively expanding renewable energy with strong policy direction and technology adoption. Pakistan has made progress, but it still lags in terms of large-scale integration and long-term planning. While joining the “25% solar club” is an encouraging sign, Pakistan needs to accelerate reforms, attract green financing, and adopt modern technologies to catch up with its regional counterparts. With its vast potential in wind, solar, and hydropower, Pakistan can not only meet its domestic demand but also position itself as a regional green energy player — if governance and infrastructure gaps are effectively addressed.