ARCHI TIMES (AT): Before discussing your engineering, would it be good to know your early life and educational background?
Muhammad Tariq Haq (TH): I hail from a modest background, completing my early education in Karachi where I consistently excelled academically. Achieving positions in both matriculation and intermediate examinations, I pursued Mechanical Engineering at NED University in the year 1982, followed by an MBA from IBA in 1991.
AT: Could you tell us about your firm and its role?
TH: Energy Solutions (Private) Limited (ESL) is a sales and service company in the power generation business. Established in the year 2005, ESL is one of the leading Diesel and Gas Generator distributors in Pakistan and a trusted source of a complete range of Residential, Commercial & Industrial Diesel, and Hi-Horsepower Commercial and Industrial Gas Generators using original Cummins Engines from the UK and Residential, Commercial and Industrial Renewable (Solar) Solutions.
AT: What kind of services and programs are offered at Energy Solutions, and how are these designed?
TH: ESL has been created with a mission to help customers select and buy, install commission, operate, and maintain power generation equipment from 3kVA to 3750 kVA with a focus on continuously developing and retaining fleet customers and high horsepower accounts. The Company sincerely strives to “do more than what is said and deliver more than what is promised”. The management, employees, and business associates of ESL understand that this is the only sure course to survival in this age of intense, cutthroat competition and very high customer expectations.
We provide the following services & value-added packages to our customers.
1. Turnkey energy solutions including Independent Power Providers (IPPs), cogeneration, tri-generation, and waste-to-energy projects
2. Paralleling, synchronizing, and load-sharing solutions of new and legacy systems
3. Operation & Maintenance (O&M) solutions for all sectors, from parts supply to full owning and operating contracts over 10 years
4. Service availability across Pakistan with strategic offices placed in the heart of the markets they serve
5. Engineering, procurement, and construction of complete solar solutions.
AT: How can the efficiency of air quality, more green spaces, decarbonizing of buildings, and electricity generation be improved in Pakistan?
TH: In my opinion, we need to implement stricter emissions regulations and promote cleaner fuels. We must invest in urban greenery and tree plantation initiatives. ESL realized this responsibility and started a tree plantation campaign last year. We planted 500 trees in the Korangi industrial area alone and have been maintaining them too. Our target is to plant trees from Brook’s Chorangi to Dawood Chorangi all over the Korangi Industrial Area in the next 5 years.
As regards electricity generation we need to diversify the energy mix with increased investment in renewables and grid modernization. These measures demand collaborative efforts from government, private sectors, and communities for a sustainable future.
AT: Nowadays global warming and climate change are the main challenges, how are you addressing these challenges, particularly in Pakistan?
TH: As a power generation company, we prioritize addressing global warming and climate change. We are trying to achieve this by transitioning to renewable energy sources, implementing energy-efficient technologies, and upgrading facilities to reduce emissions. Additionally, we promote community awareness through our publications as CSR initiatives.
AT: What should be the role of engineers in our society?
TH: Keeping in mind the current issues Pakistan is facing, engineers today should:
- Lead infrastructure projects to improve transportation.
- Introduce renewable energy solutions, especially in rural areas.
- Enhance water conservation and irrigation methods.
- Implement waste management programs and tackle pollution.
- Drive technological innovation and entrepreneurship.
- Mentor students in (STEM) Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics education.
- Collaborate with communities to address local needs.
AT: The role of engineer you have mentioned, do you think engineers are playing their role today?
TH: I feel a lot is to be done in this regard. Through your publication, I take this opportunity to address engineers and request them to assume their roles.
AT: What type of challenges and difficulties the profession of engineering is facing today in Pakistan?
TH: The engineering profession in Pakistan faces challenges such as:
1. Quality of education.
2. Mismatch between education and industry needs.
3. Brain drain.
4. Infrastructure limitations.
5. Regulatory hurdles.
6. Gender disparity.
7. Lack of professional development opportunities.
8. Environmental and sustainability concerns.
These challenges require collaborative efforts to overcome and ensure the profession’s growth and effectiveness in addressing Pakistan’s development needs.
AT: Recently we have seen many cases of fire break in the buildings. In your opinion, what are the main reasons for these fire incidents?
TH: In my opinion poor building maintenance, electrical faults, lack of fire safety measures and emergency exits, non-compliance with building codes, and unsafe practices are some of the factors leading to such incidents.
AT: What are the considerations for building safety in terms of designing and what important tips would you like to give designers and the public at large?
TH: In a third-world country like Pakistan, safety considerations are paramount to ensure the well-being of occupants and mitigate risks. Some important considerations for building safety include:
1. Structural integrity for seismic activity.
2. Fire-resistant materials and suppression systems.
3. Compliance with electrical safety standards.
4. Accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
5. Adequate ventilation and air quality.
6. Clear emergency evacuation routes.
7. Preparedness for natural disasters.
8. Use of high-quality, locally sourced building materials
Tips for designers would be to stay updated with building codes and standards, conduct thorough risk assessment during design, educate the public on fire safety and emergency procedures, encourage regular inspections and maintenance, etc., and as regards the general public they must Know evacuation routes and fire exits in buildings they visit and report hazards if and when they see any.
AT: What measures would you suggest to be considered for smart buildings?
TH: Those could include:
1. Building Automation System for centralized control.
2. Environmental Management System for real-time energy monitoring.
3. Smart lighting with LED fixtures and occupancy sensors.
4. Occupant Engagement Platforms for personalized services.
5. Integrated security and safety systems.
6. Building Information Modeling (BIM) for collaborative design.
7. Cloud computing and data analytics for centralized analysis.
AT: What are your views about the usage of solar panels in buildings? Do you think solar panels are the best option for reducing electrical loads?
TH: Solar panels are a top choice for reducing electrical loads in buildings. They offer clean, sustainable energy, significant cost savings, and enhanced energy independence. With versatility in installation and potential for carbon emissions reduction, they’re a smart investment for any building’s energy strategy.
ESL Renewables has executed several rooftop solar panel projects. Our latest endeavor, an 8.2MW installation at Riaz Textile Mills, not only showcases a substantial commitment to sustainability but also integrates innovative design. The project features a unique water recycling system, utilizing special drain channels with PV rows to repurpose water from plant maintenance and cleaning for other factory purposes.
AT: What do you do in your free time? Also, tell us about your hobbies.
TH: In my leisure time, I find joy in various activities. I engage in writing blogs on sales, marketing, quality, maintenance, etc., and writing poems on spiritual topics. Most importantly, I cherish spending time with my mother. My mother is terminally illness with Chronic Kidney Disease
I derive immense happiness from being by her side, conversing with her, and attending to her needs.
AT: What is your advice to the younger generation?
TH: Worship your Lord, follow your Prophet, obey your parents, and work 5 am to 9 pm, success will be all yours.
