Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has downplayed recent remarks made by Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, saying the statement should not be given undue importance. He emphasized that the constitutional process for creating new provinces is clearly defined in Pakistan’s Constitution.
Speaking to the media after addressing the Mining Technical Conference in Karachi, Murad Ali Shah said those who claim the current system has failed should visit Thar to witness the region’s development and ongoing projects firsthand.
During his address at the conference, the chief minister described the event as a landmark occasion for Pakistan’s mining industry. He noted that the conference brought together three key pillars of the sector—industry, academia, and technology—to promote collaboration and innovation.
Murad Ali Shah said Pakistan is rich in mineral resources but has yet to fully unlock its potential. He stressed that increased investment, modern technology, and a supportive policy environment are essential for the sustainable growth of the mining sector.
Highlighting the progress made in Sindh, he recalled that a modern mining framework based on a public-private partnership model was introduced in 2008. According to him, two major coal blocks in Thar are currently operational, generating around 2,640 megawatts of electricity.
He added that the provincial government aims to increase Thar coal-based power generation to 3,000 megawatts. The Thar coalfields are also producing more than 15 million tonnes of coal annually, contributing significantly to Pakistan’s energy needs.
The chief minister said the use of locally mined coal is helping Pakistan save approximately $1.5 billion each year by reducing dependence on imported alternative fuels. He described the Thar coal project as a key contributor to the country’s energy security and economic development.
