Thar Coal Murad Ali Shah Defends Project, Rejects Provincial Division Claims

Thar Coal remains one of Pakistan’s most successful development models, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said on Wednesday, while rejecting claims that the project has failed and reiterating that the Constitution provides a clear mechanism for creating new provinces.

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Speaking to reporters after the Mining Technical Conference organised by the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC), the chief minister urged critics to visit Thar and witness the project’s progress firsthand.

New Provinces Require Constitutional Process

Murad Ali Shah said the creation of new provinces requires a two-thirds constitutional majority.

Moreover, he said the Sindh Assembly has repeatedly and unanimously rejected proposals to divide the province.

He added that discussions on administrative matters are acceptable, however, no one would be allowed to create unrest over the issue of provincial division.

Peaceful Protest Is a Constitutional Right

Responding to a question, the chief minister said every citizen has the constitutional right to hold peaceful protests.

However, he urged demonstrators to obtain permission from the relevant authorities and avoid causing inconvenience to the public.

Government to Procure Wheat

Murad Ali Shah said the provincial cabinet has approved the procurement of 500,000 tonnes of wheat.

Furthermore, he said the government is prepared to increase purchases to one million tonnes if needed to safeguard the interests of local farmers.

Thar Model Praised at Mining Conference

Addressing the conference, the chief minister said the success of the Thar coal project reflects strong cooperation between local communities, investors and the government.

He added that partnerships between Chinese companies and local residents have created a sustainable development model that should be replicated in other mining projects across Pakistan.

Murad Ali Shah also expressed hope that the conference would encourage greater investment in Pakistan’s mineral sector.

Pakistan’s Mining Potential Highlighted

SECMC Chief Executive Officer Aamir Iqbal said experts from Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan and the Middle East attended the conference.

He said Pakistan possesses vast untapped reserves of gold and copper worth billions of dollars, while international experts highlighted the country’s strong mineral potential and the importance of modern mining technologies.

Additionally, he said local business groups and American companies have shown interest in Pakistan’s mining sector, supported by an improving regulatory environment.

Future Mining Projects Announced

Aamir Iqbal said infrastructure remains a greater challenge than investment.

He announced plans to hold an International Mining Summit next year to attract broader global participation.

He also confirmed that the company will soon launch a Coal-to-Fertilizer Gasification Project.

Meanwhile, he said SECMC currently operates without electricity from the national grid but plans to connect in 2028, a move expected to reduce coal production costs.

He added that Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has been invited to inaugurate Thar Coal Phase III in October.