KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has said that Sindh holds the capacity to address Pakistan’s energy crisis but is being held back due to the federal government’s policies.
Memon said the development of the energy sector in Sindh is being affected by federal decisions. He urged that if the province is given facilities in line with its resources, significant progress could be made in the energy sector.
He said that stakeholders, experts, and policymakers should engage in open dialogue on energy issues. According to Memon, 30 million tons of coal have been extracted and supplied from the Thar Coal Project to various independent power producers (IPPs). So far, 31 gigawatts of electricity have been generated from Thar coal, powering approximately three million homes, he added.
Memon also said that Thar coal has the potential to meet the country’s electricity needs for decades. He announced that a 105-kilometer railway line is under construction with support from the Sindh government. The line is intended to link Thar with national and international markets.
He noted progress in the alternative energy sector as well, highlighting activity in Sindh’s wind corridor. The Nooriabad Power Project is currently supplying 100 megawatts of electricity to Karachi. The Sindh government has also allocated Rs 2.5 billion for solar energy initiatives and is covering electricity bills for up to 200 units for eligible Thar residents.
Two solar parks are in the planning phase for Karachi, Memon added.
He called on the federal government to remove barriers to Sindh’s energy projects and to stop opposing its solar and wind power initiatives.
Speaking on the recent rainfall and possibility of flooding, Memon said that a continuous rise in the water level is being reported on the Indus River, with low-level flooding at Guddu and Sukkur barrages. However, he assured that relevant departments are monitoring barrages, embankments, and sensitive areas.
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