An aerial view of the 720-megawatt Karot Hydropower Project in Pakistan.

The year 2026 marks the 75th anniversary of China-Pakistan diplomatic relations and the two countries have established an all-weather strategic cooperative partnership. At the forefront of this collaboration stands China Three Gorges South Asia Investment Ltd, or CSAIL, the investment arm of China Three Gorges Corp in Pakistan, aiming to shape a more sustainable and prosperous Pakistan by pioneering clean energy.

Hydropower project

Commissioned in June 2022, the 720-megawatt Karot Hydropower Project on the Jhelum River is a major facility in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor that has reached commercial operation. It is also an early large-scale hydropower investment project under the Belt and Road Initiative.

A living symbol of what both countries can build together, the project has generated a cumulative 11 billion kilowatt-hours of clean and green energy so far, with an average of 3,206 gigawatt-hours of clean electricity annually. It meets the annual energy needs of more than five million Pakistanis, and prevented approximately 12 million metric tons of cumulative carbon dioxide emissions — equivalent to roughly 3.5 million tons every year.

Developed under a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer model with a 30-year concession period, Karot will ultimately be handed over to Pakistan as a permanent national asset.

CSAIL also operates three wind farms — TGF, TGS and TGT — in Jhimpir, Sindh, with a combined installed capacity of 148.5 megawatts. Together they deliver approximately 443 GWh of clean electricity to Pakistan each year, meeting the power needs of more than 600,000 people.

Looking ahead, the 1,124 MW Kohala and 640 MW Mahl hydropower projects being developed by CSAIL will consolidate a "Clean Energy Corridor" along the Jhelum River. They will reduce Pakistan's reliance on imported fuels and strengthen long-term energy security, according to the company.

Environment, community

CSAIL's vision extends beyond power generation. At Karot, a biodiversity management plan protects the Jhelum River ecosystem, including monitoring the vulnerable mahseer fish in collaboration with Margalla Hills and Jhelum Valley national parks.

Karot and the wind power projects' community investment plans have delivered new and improved public infrastructure projects spanning roads, bridges, water systems, hospitals, schools, drinking water access, environmental awareness and tree plantation programs.

On the education front, CSAIL supports scholarships at universities such as National University of Sciences and Technology, Multan University of Science and Technology, and University of the Punjab, nurturing the next generation of Pakistani energy professionals.

Iron brothers

The depth of China-Pakistan friendship is most visible in adversity, according to CSAIL. During COVID-19, China Three Gorges Corp donated a substantial amount of essential medical supplies and medical equipment to Pakistan. Following the devastating 2022 floods in the country, which affected over 33 million people, CSAIL contributed $650,000 to the Prime Minister's Flood Relief Fund. In 2025, the company again stepped forward for flood-affected communities in Punjab. These acts reflect the enduring spirit of "iron brotherhood" — a solidarity defined by shared commitment, not convenience, according to CSAIL.

Next 75 years

As both countries mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, CSAIL remains steadfast in its commitment to their extraordinary partnership. Its growing pipeline of clean energy projects promises additional sustainable megawatts alongside new employment, skills development, and community advancement.

Seventy-five years ago, diplomatic relations laid the foundation for one of the defining bilateral relationships of the modern era. Today, that foundation has blossomed into a partnership anchored in trust, strengthened by shared purpose, and illuminated by a common vision for a greener future. CSAIL is proud to be a part of its story, according to the company.