The cable industry in Pakistan is growing, and exports will take it to the next level, says
Mian Haseeb Safdar, Director of CopperGat Cables, in an exchange with ER. Electric Wire and Quality
The most important characteristic of electric wire is its insulation. Next comes the purity of the conductor used in the wire — from the conductor’s composition to the compounding of the insulation. The application of wires varies from industry to industry in Pakistan.
It is a proud moment for Pakistan that it is receiving export orders for electric wires. We are now in the upper tier of countries producing electric wires. In the current scenario, many countries prefer Pakistan for business.
Electric Wires and Availability of Testing Facilities
Yes, Pakistan is a country where all types of cable and wire testing labs are available. However, CopperGat Cables is also tested by KEMA Laboratories (Netherlands) — the world’s largest cable testing lab — and by TUV Austria, an internationally recognized cable testing body. We are also certified under all major ISO standards. These international certifications ensure the quality of electric wire manufacturing in Pakistan.
Challenges in Getting Technical Certifications
One of the most important factors is the support of the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) for the cable manufacturing industry. The Authority played a pivotal role in connecting Pakistan’s cable manufacturers with the international community during the recently held Middle East Energy Summit. We greatly appreciate the support TDAP has extended to our industry.
AI, Emerging Technologies, and the Cable Industry
These technologies are vital. We are producing wires using automated production lines equipped with the most modern machinery. In addition, our testing machines and facilities are state-of-the-art to ensure that our products comply with international standards. This not only reduces production costs but also helps us meet benchmarks set by the National Electrotechnical Commission.
Industry-Academia Liaison .
Academia plays a role in grooming graduates, but practical knowledge is essential. Unless students gain hands-on experience, they cannot distinguish between right and wrong in real-world applications.
I suggest academia should take a more practical role in cable manufacturing and testing. Students should understand cable design, laying structures, and related processes. These elements should be part of the curriculum so that engineers can make informed decisions. For example, in high-rise buildings, it is the engineers who decide what kind of cables should be used.
Future Plans of CopperGat
We are present in all regions of Pakistan, and consultants are increasingly selecting our cables for industrial applications. Meanwhile, international barriers to exporting electric wires are being removed, and both we and the broader industry are moving towards exports.
The Middle East — including Saudi Arabia — is a very attractive market for us, along with African countries. Moreover, CopperGat is now progressing toward the manufacturing of high-voltage cables.
