SARIC Rising Tide

nida mukhtar 42 The SAR100 opportunity was offered to Nida during her maternity leave, with HR sending over the information and asking her to think it over. “I’m very glad I did it, even with a new baby to care for. Nida acknowledges her hesitation on cross- border work given regional geopolitics, but equally acknowledges the encouragement from professors to set aside those issues It was tough, very tough at times, but SAR100 provided a window to the world, market transitions, and collaborations across borders– information that I now use every day! and think of benefits to the region. She adds, “Pakistan’s energy mix is diverse, with solar, thermal, and wind resources thriving in the south, and hydro power dominating the north. As we explore regional collaborations, it’s crucial to leverage this diversity and continue advancing our energy sector. Our focus remains on optimising these resources to benefit the nation and enhance regional connectivity.” The course has also given her a chance to work with another graduate of the program: Quratulain Jamil. Together, they are helping define the vision for a future electricity market. “My dream, my legacy,” says Nida, “would be to see the full implementation of a competitive power market in Pakistan. We’ve spent five years designing the platform and it is ready to be operationalised. I want to see it through. I also want to do something related to cross- border training and seamless connectivity. It’s good to be able to smooth trails for future generations of female engineers.” Nida’s own role model—her father—might well agree. 43 Nida take the stage at the SAR100 program courage and the engineer