KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Energy, Planning & Development, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, has reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to leveraging Thar’s indigenous coal reserves as a pillar of Pakistan’s economic and energy security.
During a visit to Thar Blocks I and II with senior officials and elected representatives, the Minister highlighted that these large-scale coal projects are delivering affordable electricity and strengthening the national energy mix. At Thar Block II, the delegation was briefed on the Phase III expansion of the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) — a flagship public-private partnership between the Sindh government, Engro, and partners — which will boost mine capacity from 7.6 to 11.4 million tons annually, powering an estimated 4.5 million households.
Shah underscored the projects’ role in local empowerment, noting that 94% of SECMC’s workforce is from Sindh, with 60% from Thar, and over 2,000 youth trained in industry-relevant skills. He also announced plans to explore coal gasification for fertilizer production and welcomed the Thar rail link’s potential to connect coal supplies to industrial hubs nationwide.
The Minister inaugurated Pakistan’s first electric vehicle (EV) charging station for 70-ton electric dump trucks at Block II, launched the second phase of the Thar Foundation Hospital — including a 50-bed Mother and Child Unit — and honoured top-performing students at a Thar Foundation school. He praised the inclusive socio-economic transformation driven by Thar coal initiatives.
