- Pakistan’s solar and wind corridors mark real progress, but reforms remain vital for regional leadership
- With stronger grids, governance, and reforms, Pakistan can compete regionally in renewable energy transformation
Interview with Mr. Zia Ul Mustafa, CMA (Pak), CMA (USA), CMP (USA) President, House of Professionals; Director, Global Board of ICMP, USA
PAGE: Tell me something about yourself, please:
Zia Ul Mustafa: I am a management professional and corporate leader with over 25 years of experience across diverse industries. My expertise spans organizational development, strategy, operations, project management, financial management, risk management, and corporate governance. I hold prestigious qualifications, including Chartered Management Accountant (ICMA Pakistan), Certified Management Accountant (IMA USA), and Chartered Management Professional (ICMP USA). I have held key leadership roles in regulatory bodies and the corporate sector, including multiple terms as President of ICMA Pakistan and as President of the South Asian Federation of Accountants (SAFA). My corporate experience includes C-level roles at Rustam Group of Industries, Descon Engineering Limited, Pakistan Expo Centres, and House of Professionals Inc.
I have also served as Director at prominent institutions such as the Agricultural Development Bank of Pakistan, Pakistan Institute of Corporate Governance, Ignite National Technology Fund, and Pakistan Institute of Public Finance Accountants.
Currently, in my honorary capacity, I am President of House of Professionals, Chairman of the Strategic Board of ICMA Pakistan, Director at the Pakistan Institute of Public Finance Accountants, and Chairman of the SAFA Committee on Governmental & PSEs Accounting. Additionally, I am an active member of global initiatives, including the CAPA Public Sector Advisory Group, the IMA Leadership Academy USA, and the ICMP USA. My international exposure and strategic insight have established me as a management leader in both the corporate and public sectors.
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?
Zia Ul Mustafa: The wind corridor along Sindh’s coast is indeed a national asset, offering immense potential to meet Pakistan’s clean energy needs. It is encouraging to see that significant capacity has already been installed, which reflects the country’s commitment to renewable energy. However, as rightly highlighted, challenges related to infrastructure and administrative coordination have prevented these turbines from running at optimal levels. From my standpoint, this situation should not be viewed as a setback but rather as an opportunity. The foundation has been laid, we have the resource, the investment, and the technology. What is now required is stronger integration between policymakers, regulators, and private investors to remove bottlenecks, upgrade transmission infrastructure, and streamline approvals. If addressed pragmatically, these improvements can unlock the full potential of the wind corridor, reduce dependence on imported fuels, and make clean energy more affordable. I see the glass as half full. Pakistan has already taken meaningful steps towards renewable energy, and with timely reforms, the Sindh wind corridor can become a flagship success story of sustainable development for the region.
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?
Zia Ul Mustafa: The development of 36 wind power producers (WPPs) with a combined capacity of around 1,845 megawatts along the Gharo-Jhimpir corridor is a remarkable achievement for Pakistan’s energy sector. It reflects both investor confidence and the country’s ability to harness indigenous clean energy resources. This capacity is not only helping to diversify the energy mix but also contributing to reduced reliance on imported fuels, lower carbon emissions, and greater energy security.
My standpoint is that this milestone should be seen as a strong foundation rather than the destination. While the installed capacity is encouraging, the next step is to ensure optimal utilization by strengthening grid infrastructure, addressing transmission constraints, and enabling seamless integration of renewable energy into the national system. With better planning, administrative efficiency, and supportive policies, the Gharo-Jhimpir wind corridor can be scaled further to become a regional model for sustainable power generation. In essence, the presence of these 36 WPPs demonstrates that Pakistan is on the right track. By building on this progress with strategic reforms, we can turn the corridor into a cornerstone of the nation’s clean energy future.
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?
Zia Ul Mustafa: Pakistan’s entry into the ‘25% solar club’ is a landmark development that highlights the nation’s transition toward renewable energy leadership. Solar becoming the single largest contributor to grid electricity, ahead of traditional sources like gas, water, and coal, reflects a paradigm shift in our energy landscape. It demonstrates how global trends of sustainability are being embraced locally and how Pakistan is tapping into its natural advantage of abundant sunlight. From my perspective, this is a very encouraging sign for the country’s future energy security and economic stability. A higher share of solar reduces dependence on costly fuel imports, mitigates the risks of global energy price fluctuations, and significantly cuts carbon emissions. Most importantly, it shows that renewable energy is no longer just an aspiration but a practical and scalable solution for Pakistan. Going forward, the key will be to complement this achievement with robust grid management, storage solutions, and supportive policies that allow solar energy to be integrated more effectively. If these aspects are addressed, Pakistan can not only sustain but also expand its leadership in renewable energy across the region.
PAGE: The energy mix in the region is fast changing. Where does Pakistan stand vis-a-vis its regional counterparts?
Zia Ul Mustafa: The energy mix in the region is shifting rapidly, and Pakistan is very much part of this transition. With initiatives like the Gharo-Jhimpir wind corridor and entry into the ‘25% solar club’, Pakistan has demonstrated its commitment to clean energy and diversification away from imported fuels. These achievements put us on a progressive track compared to many regional counterparts. At the same time, it is important to acknowledge certain constraints. Unlike larger economies such as India and China, Pakistan faces challenges of limited grid infrastructure, transmission bottlenecks, circular debt in the power sector, and policy inconsistency. These issues sometimes slow down the full utilization of installed renewable capacity. However, these should be seen as growth challenges rather than setbacks.
My standpoint is that Pakistan is not lagging behind, it is moving steadily in the right direction. By addressing structural hurdles, improving governance, and investing in modern transmission and storage systems, Pakistan can accelerate its renewable journey and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with regional leaders. In fact, overcoming these challenges can allow us to position Pakistan as a role model for other emerging economies pursuing sustainable energy.
Pakistan present position and regional competition needs
Wind corridor along Sindh’s coast
Pakistan joins 25% solar club