ISLAMABAD: In response to disruptions in coal transportation that threatened power generation, the government has stepped in to stabilize fuel supply to the 1,320MW Sahiwal Coal Power Plant, a key base-load facility in Punjab.
Coal reserves at the plant had dropped to critically low levels—sufficient for only a few days of operation—amid ongoing legal and procedural disputes between railway authorities and plant management. The situation raised concerns over grid stability at a time when LNG-based power generation capacity remains largely unavailable.
According to informed sources, the Power Division escalated the matter to the Prime Minister and the National Coordination and Management Committee (NCMC). The forum emphasized the national importance of uninterrupted operation of base-load power plants and directed stakeholders to resolve differences without delay.
A senior power sector official confirmed that the situation is now under control, with fresh coal shipments already in transit. “We are now comfortable with the fuel supply arrangements starting this week,” the official stated, noting that while a complete shutdown of the plant might not have caused an immediate 1,200MW shortfall, it could have significantly impacted grid stability during an already challenging period.
To address the issue, the government has undertaken a major reshuffle within Pakistan Railways’ freight transport division. Several senior officers in grades 19 and 20 have been reassigned to ensure smoother coal logistics. Meanwhile, the Chief Executive of Pakistan Railways has been granted a 90-day ex-Pakistan leave.
Key changes include the transfer of Waqar Ahmed Sheikh, Executive Director of Pakistan Railways Freight Transport Company (PRFTC), to Railway Headquarters Lahore as Chief Operating Superintendent, replacing Kashif Rasheed Yousfani. Muhammad Ali Chachar has been appointed as Director General Operations in his place.
Additional reshuffles were carried out across Quetta, Peshawar, Sukkur, and Karachi divisions to strengthen operational efficiency in freight movement. Officials indicated that these changes were directly linked to ensuring uninterrupted coal supply to power plants.
Sources noted that transportation challenges had put the reliability of nearly 1,500–1,800MW of coal-based generation at risk. However, with timely intervention from the Prime Minister’s Office and the NCMC, the situation has now been streamlined, averting a potential energy crisis.
Story by Khaleeq Kiani
