Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah chaired the 28th meeting of the Thar Coal and Energy Board, showcased the project’s significant contributions to Pakistan’s energy landscape. High-ranking provincial and federal officials attended, with some joining via video link. CM Shah revealed that electricity from Thar coal costs only Rs 4.8 per kWh, a stark contrast to Rs 19.5 per kWh from imported coal.
“This shift has saved USD 1.3 billion in foreign exchange and generated Rs 15 billion in royalties,” he noted. Producing 7.6 million tonnes annually. Supplying 1,320 MW to the national grid. 80 percent of staff are from Sindh. 28 schools established, educating 5,000 children. 5 hospitals treating 80,000 patients annually. Solar-powered homes provided to relocated families.
Transitioning Key Power Plants to Thar Coal: The Jamshoro, Thal, and Sahiwal power plants will shift to Thar coal, following Prime Minister’s directives. Federal Power Secretary Fakhar Alam stated that feasibility studies are underway. A 105-km railway line from Islamkot to Chhor is being constructed by the Frontier Works Organization (FWO). Land acquisition in Umerkot and Thar districts is ongoing to accelerate progress. Thar coal production will rise to 20 million tonnes by 2030, supporting private power plants.
During the meeting tenures of Dr. Fahad Irfan Siddiqui and Ammar Habib Khan on the Thar Coal Board extended until August 2025. Tariff adjustments for April–June and July–September 2024 for Block II approved. CM Shah emphasized Thar coal’s transformative impact on energy independence, economic stability, and community development. He highlighted that the Sindh government is committed to turning Thar into a global symbol of sustainable energy.
