Staff Reporter
SAHIWAL: The 1320 MW Sahiwal Coal-Fired Power Plant, a flagship project under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), is known across the nation for lighting millions of homes. Yet, beyond the power it generates, it has illuminated something far more meaningful, the lives of people in the surrounding villages. For thousands of families living in the heart of Punjab, the establishment of the Sahiwal Power Plant has been a turning point, transforming despair into hope, uncertainty into stability, and dreams into reality.
Before the plant came into existence, many families in these rural areas faced daily struggles to secure reliable income. Jobs were scarce, most people relied on seasonal labor, and the younger generation often had to abandon education in search of short-term work. The coming of the Sahiwal Power Plant changed this landscape completely. It opened doors that had never existed before, stable employment, technical training, and a chance for villagers to become part of something larger than themselves. The plant did not just provide jobs; it provided dignity, purpose, and a path toward progress.
Zaheer, a dedicated worker from Chak 77/6-R, is one such individual whose life mirrors the transformation that has spread across the region. When the project began, he was struggling to find employment and was worried about how to provide for his family. Today, after ten years of service, he proudly works as a labor supervisor, managing his team with the confidence that comes from years of experience and training. He recalls the time before the plant with quiet reflection, describing days filled with uncertainty and nights filled with worry. “After joining the power plant, my income became stable. I can plan now. I can support my children’s education and save a little for emergencies. Many people from our village are working here. The company gave preference to local communities, and because of that, our entire village has benefited.”
Zaheer speaks warmly about how this steady employment has improved not only his own life but also the well-being of those around him. Families now enjoy better living conditions, and children go to school regularly. Access to healthcare and nutrition has improved, and with a predictable routine, life feels balanced and secure. “We are healthy, fit, and working in a good environment,” he says. “Since we can travel daily from our homes, it is easy for us to manage both work and family life. We have peace of mind, good food, and the satisfaction of working in a professional setup. Every day I learn new skills and improve myself. I never imagined I would work in such an organized and professional environment.”
What shines through his story is not just personal success but also gratitude. He has discovered new confidence and discipline through training and teamwork. The plant’s focus on safety and procedures has given him valuable lifelong skills. His ambition now is to continue growing, to move into higher supervisory roles, and to help more young people from his village find meaningful work. His journey reflects the story of many others who have risen from unemployment to stability, creating a ripple effect of progress across their community.
Another inspiring voice from the neighboring village Chak 75/5-R is Irfan, a young fireman working in the fire and safety department. Energetic and full of enthusiasm, Irfan represents the new generation of skilled local workers whose lives have been reshaped by opportunity. He grew up believing that his world was limited to the boundaries of his village, but his job at the Sahiwal Power Plant broadened his horizon. “I used to think there were no big opportunities for people like us,” he explains. “But when I joined the plant, I realized that with dedication and training, we can become professionals.”
Irfan received technical training under both Chinese and Pakistani engineers, learning about industrial fire systems, safety protocols, and emergency response. This exposure did not just build his skills; it built his character. He now feels responsible not only for his duties at work but also for raising awareness about safety in his community. “I want to inspire others to stay in school and learn skills. I share my experiences with younger boys in my village so they can also dream bigger,” he says. His goal is to use his knowledge to promote fire safety awareness in nearby villages, helping people understand how to protect their homes and workplaces.
His story reflects how the plant has become more than an employer; it has become a school of life. Through structured training, cultural exchange, and mentorship, local youth are gaining confidence and professional abilities that were once out of reach. Irfan has become a role model, a symbol of what is possible when opportunity meets determination. The Sahiwal Power Plant gave him a job, but it also gave him purpose and pride, and through him, it continues to inspire others.
From Chak 62/4-R, Sohaib’s story paints yet another picture of how this project has changed the social and economic fabric of the region. Working as a senior operator, he has witnessed the evolution of his village firsthand. “Our village is changing,” he says with excitement. “People can afford better homes, better clothes, and good healthcare. Children are studying in good schools. Daughters are being educated with respect and pride.” His words reveal how prosperity has brought not just financial relief but also social progress. Education, especially for girls, has gained importance. Families now think about the future with optimism rather than fear.
Sohaib also speaks fondly of the friendship and cooperation between the Chinese and Pakistani teams. “We have learned from each other,” he says. “The Chinese management is very cooperative and respectful. Together, we celebrate festivals, organize plantation drives, and take part in community programs. This is more than a workplace, it is a family.” He believes this partnership between the two nations is not only powering homes but also building bridges between cultures. His dream is to see more educational and training centers established for the youth so they can stay in their homeland, develop modern skills, and contribute to national progress.
These three voices, each unique yet united by a shared experience, tell the story of a silent transformation that extends far beyond the walls of the power plant. Stable incomes have replaced financial uncertainty. Technical training has turned unskilled laborers into confident professionals. The collaboration between Chinese and Pakistani teams has fostered cultural understanding and teamwork. Even the environment has benefited, with tree plantation drives and beautification programs enhancing the natural surroundings of the villages.
The Sahiwal Power Plant stands as proof that industrial development, when done with responsibility and care, can become a force for human development. It has brought light not just to cities but also to hearts. It has given the people of Sahiwal’s neighboring villages a reason to believe in progress and a future they can shape with their own hands. Every new skill learned, every child educated, and every dream fulfilled adds another spark to this growing legacy.
Despite occasional misconceptions or criticism, the truth is clear to those who live closest to the project. The plant has not only provided electricity to the national grid; it has powered transformation at the grassroots level. For people like Zaheer, Irfan, and Sohaib, the Sahiwal Power Plant represents opportunity, growth, and unity. It is a story of how light from a power station can spread much further than the wires that carry it, reaching deep into homes, families, and hearts, changing the rhythm of life forever.
The story of Sahiwal is, above all, a story of hope. It shows how a project designed to meet a nation’s energy needs can also fulfill the dreams of its people. As local workers continue to advance in their careers and share their knowledge with others, they carry forward a legacy of strength, cooperation, and ambition. The Sahiwal Power Plant is not just a source of power; it is a beacon of transformation, reminding us that when opportunity meets determination, entire communities can rise together toward a brighter and more confident future.
