Profile
Legal Structure
DHA Energy Supply Company (Private) Limited (“DESCO” or “the
Company”) was incorporated on March 2, 2017, in Pakistan as a Private Limited Company.
It operates as a legal entity registered with the Securities and Exchange
Commission of Pakistan (SECP) and has a registered office in 2-B, East Street,
Phase 1, DHA Karachi.
Background
DESCO has been established as a special purpose vehicle to
develop and operate an independent electricity distribution and supply network
for DHA City (DHAC)—a flagship residential and commercial project of DHA
Karachi (DHAK), situated at KM-50 on Motorway M-9, Karachi. The Company is
focused on meeting growing energy demands by developing and operating a
dedicated electricity supply and distribution network. Its focus is on
promoting efficient energy management and delivering sustainable power solutions
tailored to the needs of urban and residential communities. To ensure reliable
power connectivity within DHAC, DESCO is currently engaged in the installation
of its distribution infrastructure. The Company is procuring electricity from
Lucky Cement under a supply commitment, as well as from other nearby generators
and has applied to NEPRA for a supply and distribution licenses for up to 10MW
distribution project.
Operations
DESCO’s principal objective is the supply and distribution
of energy. To this end, the Company undertakes the construction, ownership,
management, operation, and maintenance of distribution infrastructure,
including distribution lines, electrical circuits, transformers, and
substations. Since the supply and distribution of electric power in Pakistan is
a regulated activity, DESCO has submitted a petition to NEPRA for the grant of
a Supply License. In parallel, the Company has applied for a Distribution License
to enable the distribution of electric power within DHA City Karachi (DHAC).
DESCO is currently awaiting NEPRA’s approval for the License, following which
it will commence its operations.
Ownership
Ownership Structure
DESCO is a wholly owned subsidiary of DHA Energy and
Services (Private) Limited (The HOLDCO) which is owned by the Pakistan Defense
Officers Housing Authority (DHA Karachi ), a statutory body responsible for
managing residential and infrastructure development for defense personnel. This
ownership structure ensures strategic alignment with DHA’s broader
infrastructure and community development goals.
Stability
DHA Karachi is a
well-established and professionally managed entity with strong institutional
backing and stable ownership. Its centralized governance structure, consistent
administrative practices support long-term strategic planning and minimal ownership-related
risks. With a proven track record of successfully developing and executing
large-scale residential and commercial projects across major cities, DHA has
earned a solid reputation for reliability, regulatory compliance, and timely
project delivery.
Business Acumen
DHA Pakistan exhibits strong business acumen through
strategic planning, efficient resource management, and consistent project
delivery. Its ability to respond to market needs, maintain financial
discipline, and deliver high-quality developments has positioned it as a
leading and trusted real estate entity in the country.
Financial Strength
The financial strength of DHA, the sponsor, is considered
robust, supported by its strong business profile, diversified operations, and
institutional governance. This strength is evident from the transfer of basic
distribution infrastructure valued at approximately PKR 3.8 billion to DESCO.
Furthermore, the licensing documents submitted to NEPRA clearly state that DHA
Energy Services Limited—the holding company and a wholly owned entity of
DHA—will extend financial and operational support to DESCO as needed.
Governance
Board Structure
The Board of Directors of DESCO comprises seven experienced
professionals, all members are the nominees from the sponsoring entities. Three
Directors represent DHA City and Four
represent DHA Karachi. The Chief Executive Officer is also a member of the
Board. This composition ensures balanced representation, strong institutional
alignment, and effective oversight in line with the Company’s strategic goals.
Members’ Profile
The Board of DESCO is led by Mr. Sohail Imtiaz, who serves
as the Chief Executive Officer of DESCO and is currently the Administrator of
DHA City. The Board comprises experienced professionals contributing
institutional knowledge and operational expertise. A prominent member of the
Board, Mr. Faisal Imran Hussain Malik, is a Chartered Accountant (FCA) and CPA
(Canada) with extensive experience in financial planning, corporate strategy,
and the energy sector. Currently serving as the Chief Strategy and Finance
Officer at DHA Karachi. Also, on the Baord is Mr. Faisal Malik who advises
DESCO on regulatory and licensing matters, particularly in engagements with
relevant authorities. Mr. Faisal Malik has 33 years of experience, including 12
years at K-Electric (KE), where he served as Regional Head in the Distribution
division.
Board Effectiveness
While no formal board committees have been established, the Directors
of the Board of DESCO meet regularly with active participation from its
members. These meetings provide a platform for discussion on key strategic,
financial, and risk-related matters. The Board actively supports the management
by offering oversight, guidance, and timely decision-making to ensure the
Company's objectives are effectively achieved.
Financial Transparency
Rahman Sarfaraz Rahim Iqbal Rafiq, Chartered Accountants, a
reputable and long-established audit and assurance firm in Pakistan, has issued
an unqualified audit opinion on DESCO’s financial statements for the year ended
June 30, 2024.
Management
Organizational Structure
DESCO follows a structured organizational framework. The
CEO, along with the Company Secretary and Chief Internal Auditor, reports
directly to the Board. While the remaining departmental heads and team members
report to the CEO.
Management Team
The CEO of the Company is Brigadier Sohail Imtiaz. Col
Muhammad Shabbar Ali Saeed (Retd) and Mr. Faisal Malik oversees operational
matters. The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) is Mr. Haseeb Hafeezuddeen, an MBA, CPA
(USA) with 30 years of experience in finance and corporate management. Company
Secretary is Mr. Saqib Ali, FCMA & CIA has 28 years of professional
experience. All executives report directly to the CEO and are supported by
competent and well-structured teams under their respective leadership.
Effectiveness
The effectiveness of DESCO’s management is reflected in its
structured approach and coordinated decision-making. The management team
comprises experienced and qualified professionals who work in close
coordination to ensure timely preparation and submission of filings, as well as
obtaining necessary approvals from NEPRA and other relevant authorities. This
collaborative approach has contributed to greater procedural efficiency. Once
operations commence, the establishment of a formal management committee structure
is expected to further enhance overall effectiveness and governance.
MIS
DESCO currently uses Peachtree Accounting Software, a basic
solution by Sage, to support its daily financial activities. Upon the
commencement of full operations, a formal and comprehensive Management
Information System (MIS) expected to be established to strengthen oversight,
enhance reporting, and improve overall efficiency.
Control Environment
DESCO maintains an adequate control environment with defined
policies and procedures. The Company’s internal audit function performs regular
reviews on financial, operational, and compliance controls.
Business Risk
Industry Dynamics
As of FY24, Pakistan’s total installed power generation
capacity stood at approximately 45,888 MW, while actual power generation
declined slightly to 15,662 MW. This underutilization reflects persistent
inefficiencies in the power sector, with average capacity factor falling to
34.1% from 34.4% in FY23. The electricity distribution sector in Pakistan is
primarily dominated by public sector distribution companies (DISCOs), with
approximately eleven entities operating across the country, including
K-Electric. These entities operate under region-based monopolies, distributing
electricity within their assigned jurisdictions. K-Electric (KE), the only
privately owned and vertically integrated utility, is responsible for the
generation, transmission, and distribution of power in Karachi and its
surrounding areas. While these utilities manage considerable distribution
capacities, the sector continues to grapple with structural inefficiencies.
Common issues include high transmission and distribution (T&D) losses,
aging infrastructure, weak recovery mechanisms, and service delivery
gaps—particularly in high-density and rural areas. Although efforts are being
made to improve governance and upgrade systems, progress remains gradual and
uneven across regions. NEPRA plays a central role in regulating the sector,
including tariff determination, licensing, and performance monitoring. In
recent years, limited space has opened for private sector involvement,
particularly through embedded distribution networks, special purpose vehicles
for housing schemes, and captive or dedicated systems. These emerging models,
though still in their early stages, represent a cautious but important step
toward introducing competition and enhancing efficiency in the distribution landscape.
Relative Position
While Pakistan’s electricity distribution sector has
traditionally been dominated by public sector DISCOs, a gradual shift is
emerging with the entry of private entities into the space. This transition has
been accelerated by a recent regulatory development, in which NEPRA revised
K-Electric’s longstanding exclusive rights to distribute electricity in Karachi
and its assigned territories. The change has opened the market for new
entrants—such as DESCO—to operate in previously restricted areas under a competitive
framework. DESCO is among a few notable private players, including the
distribution setup at DHA EME Lahore, established to meet the localized
electricity needs of specific communities through dedicated infrastructure and
service delivery models. With its focused approach, DESCO is well-positioned to
serve as a model for privately managed, community-centric electricity
distribution, in line with the evolving regulatory landscape and market
dynamics in Pakistan’s power sector.
Revenues
DESCO is currently awaiting the issuance of its Supply and
distribution license from NEPRA. Following the grant of the license, the
Company will proceed to apply for tariff determination. As operations have not
yet commenced, DESCO has not recognized any revenue to date.
Margins
Since operations have not yet commenced, DESCO has not
generated any operating margins. However, interest income from savings accounts
constitutes the Company’s current income and is reflected in its reported net
margins.
Sustainability
DESCO’s long-term sustainability is anchored in its focused
operating model, dedicated customer base, and the growing demand for reliable
power supply within DHA City Karachi. As a purpose-built distribution company
backed by a strong institutional sponsor, DESCO is positioned to serve a
well-defined urban community with a predictable consumption pattern, reducing
demand-side risk. The Company’s financial sustainability is expected to
strengthen once commercial operations commence.
Financial Risk
Working capital
As the Company has not yet commenced operations, there is a
minimal funds requirement which is met by its sponsors DHA City and DHA Karachi.
However, with the initiation of
commercial activities, the need for working capital will emerge.
Coverages
As the Company is not yet operational and has no commercial
borrowings, its free cash flows primarily reflect investment income generated
from savings accounts.
Capitalization
As of December 2024, DESCO’s leverage stood at 23%, compared
to 24.3% in FY24, 27.7% in FY23, and 30.5% in FY22.
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