During his visit to Thar Block-II, Minister Nasir Hussain Shah lauded the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) for its mining operations and inclusive growth efforts through the Thar Foundation. SECMC, a pioneer in Pakistan’s mining sector, is widely recognized as the country’s most successful public-private partnership between the Government of Sindh, Engro, and other stakeholders. The Minister was accompanied by MNA Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, MNA Dr. Ramesh Lal, CM’s Adviser on Environment Dost Ali Rahimoon, MPA Faqir Sher Muhammad Bilalani, MPA Qasim Soomro, Thar Coal Energy Board Managing Director Tariq Shah, Energy Department Secretary Mushtaque Ahmed Soomro, and Commissioner Mirpurkhas Faisal Aqili, SECMC officials, and other government and elected representatives.
The delegation was briefed on the strategic role of indigenous Thar coal in Pakistan’s energy mix and the Government of Sindh’s continued support for the development of Thar Block-II. It was highlighted that SECMC has initiated its Phase III mine expansion to increase coal production capacity from 7.6 million tonnes per annum to 11.4 million tonnes per annum, which will supply energy to 4.5 million households daily. To promote socio-economic opportunities in Thar, SECMC prioritizes local talent development. Currently, 94% of its workforce is from Sindh, with 60% hailing from Thar. Over 2,000 young people have received industry-related vocational training to improve their livelihoods. The Minister also inaugurated an EV charging station for 70-tonne electric trucks, introduced on a pilot basis in SECMC’s dumper fleet. SECMC is Pakistan’s first mining company to deploy electric trucks in operations, aiming to reduce fuel costs and improve operational efficiency.
Minister Nasir Shah also inaugurated the second phase of the Thar Foundation Hospital in Islamkot, which includes a 50-bed Mother & Child Unit under construction. The hospital currently offers free consultations, medicines, laboratory services, and diagnostic scans such as ultrasound and digital X-ray. He also observed a cancer awareness session organized under Sindh Government health initiatives and visited the hospital’s OPD, mobile units, and specialist clinics, where patients expressed satisfaction with the services provided. The delegation was informed that since its inception, the Thar Foundation has provided free healthcare to over 370,000 patients through seven operational facilities.
The Minister interacted with teachers and students at a Thar Foundation school and received a presentation on curriculum and the digital literacy program. He awarded certificates to students who recently passed the Federal Board matriculation examination with A grades. Recently, secondary schools jointly managed by the Thar Foundation and The Citizens Foundation (TCF) achieved a 100% pass rate, reflecting the high quality of education. It was noted that the Thar Foundation currently operates 28 school units, educating over 5,000 students, 35% of whom are girls. SECMC CEO Amir Iqbal stated: “It is an honor to host the Minister of Energy and his delegation at Thar Block-II, where they witnessed the transformative impact of our community initiatives along with our safe and reliable mining operations. As a world-class, sustainable mining company, we are committed to strengthening Pakistan’s energy security and contributing to inclusive development.”