Federal Minister for Board of Investment Qaiser Ahmed Sheikh on Tuesday underscored the need to prioritise the energy sector, saying it was the key to accelerating industrial growth, increasing exports and strengthening the national economy. Addressing the 2nd Sindh Energy Diversity Conference 2026 as the chief guest at a local hotel, the Minister described the conference as highly significant, saying it would contribute to addressing the country’s energy challenges. He said the energy sector remained the biggest hurdle to industrial development and export growth, adding that Pakistan had recently witnessed an increase in exports for the first time, while the country’s industries possessed immense untapped potential.
Qaiser Sheikh said nations across the world were focusing on energy security and diversification, stressing that Pakistan must also accord the highest priority to the sector to achieve sustainable economic growth and raise its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Highlighting indigenous resources, he said Thar coal had emerged as a valuable national asset. Although its potential had initially been underestimated, its importance had now become evident, he added, noting that Sindh, being the country’s leading industrial province, had the greatest demand for energy.
Referring to investment initiatives, the Minister said there were 44 Special Economic Zones (SEZs) across the country. He said the Sindh government had allocated the former Pakistan Steel Mills land to the federal government, where an International Monetary Fund (IMF)-approved SEZ would be established over 6,000 acres. The plots would be offered at nominal prices, and advertisements inviting both local and foreign investors would be issued shortly, he added. The Minister said many countries had achieved remarkable economic progress through export-led growth, adding that Pakistan was pursuing the same strategy under the direction of Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to strengthen exports and drive sustainable economic development.