Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has said federal policies are blocking the progress of Sindh’s energy sector. Speaking at the Sindh Energy Diversity Path to Prosperity Conference in Karachi, he shared how the province holds vast resources like coal, gas, wind, and solar. However, he stressed that these resources are not being fully used due to federal hurdles. The event was attended by experts, stakeholders, and energy policymakers.
The chief minister highlighted the use of Thar coal, saying it supplied 30 million tonnes to power producers in six years. This helped generate 31 gigawatts of electricity and powered three million homes. He also revealed plans to build a 105-kilometre railway line to connect Thar coal with global markets. But he pointed out past struggles, including a lack of investor trust and federal rejection of Sindh’s solar and wind projects.
Murad said Sindh has plenty of coal and natural gas, especially in Thar. He explained that the province is also leading in clean energy. Wind projects are already working, and several solar power plants are in progress. To boost energy control, Sindh has launched its own transmission company (STDC) and electric power authority (Sepra). These moves will improve delivery and give the province more control.
He also talked about the successful Nooriabad power project, which gives 100 megawatts to Karachi. However, the federal-owned Hesco refused power from Sindh, claiming they didn’t need it. To avoid such blocks, Sindh is building its own energy systems. The provincial budget has set aside Rs2.5 billion for solar energy and pays the bills for Thar families using up to 200 units.
Energy Minister Nasir Hussain Shah also addressed the gathering. He said Sindh is working hard to promote affordable green energy. Solar parks are coming to Karachi, Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Larkana. He added that industries are switching to clean energy and poor families are getting free solar setups. Both leaders urged the federal government to support Sindh’s energy projects and remove policy barriers.