Sindh is the “energy basket” of Pakistan, says CM Murad Ali Shah

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah described Sindh as the “energy basket” of the country. He said that the province is a major contributor to fossil fuel resources and highlighted Thar coal as a significant source of energy.

He made these remarks during an address to the Energy Conference on Thursday. Speaking on the role of Sindh in Pakistan’s energy production, he said that the province produces 70 per cent of the country’s gas and is also positioned for growth in renewable energy.

The chief minister noted that Thar is currently the most cost-effective source of electricity generation in Pakistan. Over the past six years, more than 31 gigawatts of electricity have been generated from coal, and this electricity now powers approximately three million homes. He added that 30 million tons of coal have been provided to Independent Power Producers (IPPs) during this period.

The CM added that the provincial government has allocated Rs 25 billion in the current budget for solar energy development. He asserted that increased power generation could lead to lower electricity bills and argued that removing subsidies would be feasible only when sufficient energy is produced.

He also spoke about ongoing projects, including the Nooriabad power plant, from which 100 megawatts of electricity are being supplied to Karachi. The plant was initially intended to supply power to nearby industrial zones, but Shah said that HESCO (Hyderabad Electric Supply Company) claimed it had surplus energy at the time.

The chief minister also mentioned the establishment of a provincial transmission company.

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