Staff Reporter
SAHIWAL: International recognition is earned through years of dedication, technical excellence, and an unwavering commitment to professional growth. Such recognition not only honours an individual’s hard work but also reflects the strength of the organisation that nurtures and supports talent. The remarkable achievement of Mr. Waqas Rasool, an accomplished professional from the Maintenance Department of the 1320 MW Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Plant, is a shining example of these values in action.
On 1 July 2026, Waqas Rasool secured First Prize in the Intelligent Operation and Inspection of High-Voltage Cables category at the prestigious CICA Staff Skills Competition held in Guangzhou, China. Competing against highly skilled professionals from more than 20 countries, he demonstrated exceptional technical competence, practical expertise, and confidence, bringing honour not only to the Sahiwal Power Plant but also to Pakistan and China Huaneng on an international platform.
His achievement is far more than a personal victory. It symbolises the world-class technical capabilities developed within the 1320 MW Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Plant and showcases the high standards of training, engineering excellence, and professional development that have become hallmarks of the organisation.
The CICA Skills Competition is widely recognised as one of the most respected international technical competitions, bringing together highly skilled professionals from participating countries to demonstrate excellence across a range of industrial disciplines. It provides an invaluable platform where engineers and technicians showcase their practical knowledge, innovation, operational expertise, and commitment to excellence. Participants are evaluated through rigorous practical and theoretical assessments designed to test not only their technical understanding but also their analytical thinking, problem-solving capabilities, precision, safety awareness, and ability to make sound decisions in demanding operational environments.
This year, competitors representing more than twenty countries gathered in Guangzhou to compete at the highest professional level. Standing among such an accomplished international field, Waqas Rasool distinguished himself through exceptional performance, ultimately securing the highest honour in his category. His victory serves as clear evidence that technical excellence knows no geographical boundaries and that professionals from Pakistan can successfully compete with the very best in the world.
The competition category, Intelligent Operation and Inspection of High-Voltage Cables, represents one of the most technically demanding areas within modern power systems. High-voltage cable networks are critical assets that ensure the safe and reliable transmission of electricity from generating stations to the national grid. Their proper operation directly influences system reliability, plant availability, equipment safety, and overall power system stability.
Success in this category required participants to demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of cable construction, intelligent monitoring technologies, condition assessment, preventive maintenance, fault diagnosis, operational safety, inspection methodologies, and maintenance best practices. Competitors were expected to analyse complex technical situations, identify faults accurately, implement appropriate inspection procedures, and make technically sound operational decisions within strict time constraints.
Achieving First Prize in such a specialised discipline reflects Waqas Rasool’s exceptional engineering capability, extensive practical experience, and deep understanding of modern high-voltage cable systems. His performance demonstrated not only technical competence but also confidence, precision, and professionalism under challenging competitive conditions.
Outstanding achievements of this magnitude are never accidental. They are built upon years of commitment, perseverance, continuous learning, and an unwavering desire to improve. Preparing for an international technical competition requires months of disciplined study, practical exercises, repeated technical evaluations, equipment familiarisation, and the development of both theoretical understanding and practical expertise.
Throughout this demanding journey, Waqas Rasool consistently demonstrated the qualities that define an outstanding engineering professional. His dedication to mastering complex technical concepts, willingness to learn continuously, attention to detail, and ability to perform under pressure enabled him to compete confidently against some of the world’s finest technical professionals. His success reflects countless hours of preparation and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Equally important to individual dedication is the environment in which talent is developed. The 1320 MW Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Plant has consistently promoted a culture of continuous improvement by investing in employee development, advanced technical training, international exposure, and knowledge sharing. Such initiatives allow employees to broaden their professional capabilities while remaining aligned with evolving global technologies and engineering practices.
Providing opportunities for employees to participate in prestigious international competitions demonstrates the company’s confidence in its workforce and its long-term commitment to building future technical leaders. Waqas Rasool’s international success clearly illustrates the value of these investments. His accomplishment reflects not only his own determination but also the organisation’s vision of developing highly competent professionals capable of representing the company and the country at the highest international level.
Behind every successful professional stands a team of mentors whose knowledge, guidance, and encouragement shape future achievements. Special appreciation is therefore extended to Mr. Jiang Liangping and Mr. Xu Bo from the Maintenance Department, whose expert guidance, comprehensive technical training, and continuous mentorship played a vital role in preparing Waqas Rasool for this prestigious international competition.
Their commitment to sharing knowledge, refining technical skills, providing constructive feedback, and encouraging excellence was instrumental in ensuring his success. Their contribution highlights the collaborative culture within the Sahiwal Power Plant, where experienced professionals actively mentor younger engineers and technicians, fostering an environment where continuous learning and professional growth are encouraged at every level.
International competitions also provide an opportunity to showcase the engineering capabilities of an entire nation. By securing First Prize, Waqas Rasool proudly represented Pakistan before an international audience and demonstrated that Pakistani engineers and technical professionals possess the expertise, determination, and professionalism required to compete successfully on the global stage.
His achievement strengthens Pakistan’s reputation within the international engineering community and highlights the country’s growing pool of highly skilled professionals capable of meeting world-class technical standards. It sends a powerful message that, when provided with appropriate opportunities and organisational support, Pakistani talent can achieve international recognition and contribute meaningfully to global engineering excellence.
The 1320 MW Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Plant has earned recognition for operational reliability, engineering excellence, and adherence to international standards of safety and maintenance. Waqas Rasool’s international success further enhances the plant’s reputation as an organisation committed to technical excellence, innovation, and continuous employee development.
This achievement reflects the exceptional maintenance practices, technical competence, safety culture, and operational discipline maintained throughout the organisation. Every employee can take pride in this accomplishment because it represents the collective strength of an organisation where teamwork, professionalism, discipline, and continuous improvement remain core values.
Beyond the recognition and awards, achievements such as this inspire future generations of engineers and technicians. Waqas Rasool’s journey demonstrates that dedication, perseverance, continuous learning, and a commitment to excellence can open doors to international opportunities and global recognition. His success serves as a source of motivation for young professionals entering the power sector and encourages them to embrace innovation, strengthen their technical capabilities, and pursue excellence throughout their careers.
His story reinforces the importance of lifelong learning in an industry where technologies continue to evolve rapidly. It reminds professionals that every challenge presents an opportunity for growth and that excellence is achieved through consistent effort, discipline, and determination rather than through momentary success.
As power systems become increasingly intelligent, digital, and interconnected, the demand for highly skilled technical professionals will continue to grow. Competitions such as the CICA Skills Competition encourage innovation, strengthen international cooperation, and promote the exchange of technical knowledge among professionals from different countries. They help establish global benchmarks for engineering excellence while inspiring participants to continuously improve their professional cap
