A casual conversation with Engr. Muhammad Tariq Haq, CEO ESL
Engr. Muhammad Tariq Haq, the driving force behind Energy Solutions (Pvt.) Limited, embodies a journey shaped by heritage, corporate excellence and an unwavering entrepreneurial vision. Hailing from a family whose ancestors migrated from India to Pakistan, his own path began with solid engineering foundations. His professional trajectory took root with an initial appointment at Abbot, followed by a significant decade-long tenure at Philips. There, his capabilities propelled him to the position of Factory Manager, a testament to his leadership and operational acumen. From Philips, Engr. Muhammad Tariq Haq ascended to the global stage, joining Cummins, “one of the top companies of the world,” further honing his expertise within a premier industrial environment.
Yet, even amidst corporate success, a deeply personal ambition burned brightly. “Since a very early age,” Engr. Muhammad Tariq Haq states emphatically, “I always had a vision that I wanted to have my own company. My vision was to have a 1 Billion dollar company.” While acknowledging this ambitious financial target is still on the horizon “I have not achieved it yet” the core of his dream was always multifaceted. It wasn’t just about scale; it was about purpose and culture. “It was always my dream to have a company that provides community service as well as a good professional working environment.” This dual focus on societal contribution and internal well-being became the bedrock upon which Energy Solutions was built.
During the exclusive conversation with Engineering Post he explained, “My management style is that I do not micromanage,” he declared “Everyone in our company is given the leverage to work as they feel comfortable. We trust them. As long as they are providing results we trust our employees.”
This approach is deeply rooted in the management theories he encountered during his education at IBA, specifically the contrast between Theory X and Theory Y. Engr. Muhammad Tariq Haq unequivocally aligns himself with Theory Y: “Theory Y is that everyone is trustworthy who is working for you. Theory X is that everyone working with you is slacking and not working properly and you need to micromanage them. I personally believe in Theory Y and run my company from this perspective.” Trust and empowerment are not just ideals; they are the operational principles guiding his leadership.
Under Engr. Muhammad Tariq Haq’s Theory of leadership, Energy Solutions has established itself as a significant player in Pakistan’s power sector over the last two decades. The company has forged strong technical alliances with global leaders. In diesel generators, they are the exclusive distributors of AKSA Power Generation, “one of the world’s top 5 power generation companies.” For gas generators, they leverage their deep connection to Cummins Inc. as their exclusive distributors. Most notably, reflecting a forward-looking approach, Energy Solutions has made substantial strides in renewables. “We have a subsidiary ESL Renewables (Private) Limited” he notes, “and we have installed more than 60 MW in the first four years since inception, “showcasing a commitment to sustainable energy solutions alongside traditional power generation.
Leading Energy Solutions, he cultivates a distinct culture which according to him a relative of his very aptly described as “a company of Family, Friends and Fanatics.” He firmly believes that organizational success hinges on individual commitment, zeal, zest and passion at every level. “A factory can only work to the best of its abilities when everyone working there is working with maximum efficiency, energy, excitement and enthusiasm. People from the lowest to the highest grade should work to the best of their potential.” he explained. He also opined that he wants to appoint people neck upwards more than downwards as enlistment of everyone’s wisdom characterizes maximum success.
