ISLAMABAD (DI NEWS) : At the 1320 MW Sahiwal Coal Fired Power Plant, operated by Huaneng Shandong Ruyi (Pakistan) Energy (Private) Limited, a unique event brought together employees from both China and Pakistan to celebrate unity, fitness, and friendship. The occasion was the National Day of the People’s Republic of China, observed annually on October 1st. To mark this important day, the employees of HSR organized a health-promoting walk around the plant’s beautifully maintained premises, symbolizing not just physical well-being but also the enduring partnership between the two nations that stand behind this landmark project.
As the morning sun rose over the cooling towers and the familiar red and white chimney of the Sahiwal Power Plant, a group of enthusiastic employees gathered, dressed in casual attire, ready to participate in the event. The participants included both Chinese and Pakistani staff members who work side by side every day to ensure the plant’s smooth operation and its continuous supply of power to the national grid. The walk was organized not only as a fitness activity but also as a gesture of solidarity, celebrating a day of national pride for China and strengthening the cultural bridge that connects the two workforces.
The National Day of China holds great significance, commemorating the founding of the People’s Republic of China on October 1, 1949. For the Chinese employees at Sahiwal, the event carried emotional meaning as it was an opportunity to celebrate far from home, among colleagues who share mutual respect and friendship. The Pakistani employees, in turn, joined their Chinese colleagues in the walk, showcasing the spirit of camaraderie and collaboration that defines the culture at Huaneng Shandong Ruyi. Together, they walked as one team, representing two nations but one goal to work for progress, sustainability, and shared development.
The management of HSR has always encouraged employees to engage in physical and recreational activities as part of their workplace culture. Recognizing that the demanding operations of a large-scale power plant require not only technical excellence but also physical and mental well-being, the company promotes initiatives that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. The walking event was a reflection of this philosophy a simple yet powerful activity to remind everyone that health is the foundation of productivity and happiness.
The event began in a light and cheerful atmosphere, with laughter, greetings, and group photos capturing the joyful spirit of the morning. A blue flag representing the company fluttered in the hands of the leading group as participants began walking along the scenic pathway within the plant’s greenbelt area. The air was filled with positivity as the diverse group of engineers, technicians, and administrative staff walked together, talking, smiling, and sharing light moments. The surroundings of the plant, with its well-maintained lawns and the backdrop of the cooling towers releasing steam into the clear blue sky, provided a perfect setting for such an event.
As they walked, employees reflected on the shared journey of Huaneng and Pakistan. The Sahiwal Power Plant stands as a flagship project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) a symbol of energy cooperation and industrial friendship. Commissioned in 2017, the plant has played a vital role in stabilizing Pakistan’s power supply, providing over 9 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually and significantly reducing load-shedding across the country. Behind this success are the dedicated teams of Chinese and Pakistani professionals who have worked hand in hand, overcoming challenges and ensuring operational excellence. The walking event on National Day was a tribute to this partnership one that extends beyond professional collaboration into mutual respect and cultural appreciation.
Such activities also provide a much-needed break from the routine of technical work and help create a more connected, energized, and motivated workforce. Health initiatives like this promote teamwork and improve communication among employees from different departments and backgrounds. At Sahiwal, where both cultures coexist and learn from each other daily, these events reinforce a sense of belonging and collective identity. Walking side by side, participants demonstrated the strength of unity a small but meaningful step toward greater understanding and harmony.
The event concluded with words of appreciation from team leaders who thanked everyone for participating and emphasized the importance of maintaining both physical fitness and emotional balance in the workplace. They highlighted that while technology and machinery drive the power plant, it is ultimately the people their health, commitment, and cooperation that keep it running successfully. The leaders also expressed gratitude to the Chinese colleagues for sharing their National Day celebration with everyone, making it a memorable and inclusive occasion for all.
In many ways, this walk symbolized the shared journey of Huaneng Shandong Ruyi and its employees. Just as every step contributes to completing the path, every effort from both Chinese and Pakistani teams contributes to the plant’s success and to the larger mission of energy cooperation under CPEC. The sight of employees walking together different in nationality but united in purpose perfectly represented the essence of the China-Pakistan friendship: moving forward together toward progress, sustainability, and mutual prosperity.
The event left a lasting impression on all who participated. For many, it was more than just a walk; it was an experience of unity, friendship, and pride. The laughter and conversations that filled the air that morning reflected a shared spirit that continues to define HSR’s workplace culture. In today’s fast-paced industrial world, where schedules and targets dominate daily life, moments like these remind everyone of the importance of balance between work and health, technology and humanity, and between two nations building a shared future.
As the participants completed their walk, smiles and handshakes marked the end of the event. The blue flag that led the group fluttered proudly, symbolizing achievement, health, and harmony. The backdrop of the power plant’s towers stood as a reminder of the remarkable partnership between China and Pakistan a partnership built on trust, hard work, and a shared vision for a brighter future.
In celebrating China’s National Day with a simple act of walking together, Huaneng Shandong Ruyi employees once again demonstrated that true collaboration goes beyond offices, meetings, and machines. It is built in moments like these when colleagues from different nations walk side by side, sharing not just a path but a purpose. The success of the Sahiwal Power Plant is not only measured in megawatts but also in the strength of its people and the harmony they create together.
This year’s National Day celebration at Sahiwal was therefore a symbol of dual triumph of health and harmony, of fitness and friendship, of energy and empathy. As both Chinese and Pakistani employees returned to their duties with refreshed minds and renewed motivation, they carried with them the spirit of unity that continues to light up not only the plant but the bond between two great nations.
