KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has said that the recent remarks made by Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi should not be given undue importance, while emphasizing that any discussion regarding the creation of new provinces must remain within the constitutional framework.
Speaking to the media after addressing the Mining Technical Conference in Karachi, the Chief Minister said the Constitution clearly outlines the procedure for the formation of new provinces. Responding to criticism of the existing system, he urged critics to visit Thar before declaring the system a failure, pointing to the region’s development as evidence of progress.
Earlier, while addressing the conference, Murad Ali Shah described the event as a landmark in Pakistan’s history, saying it had brought together three key pillars of the mining sector—industry, academia, and technology. He said the conference aimed to promote innovation by learning from international best practices and strengthening cooperation among stakeholders.
Highlighting Pakistan’s mineral wealth, the Chief Minister said the country possesses enormous untapped natural resources, but much of its potential remains unrealized. He stressed that greater investment, advanced technology, and an improved policy environment are essential to unlock the full potential of the mining sector.
Murad Ali Shah noted that the Sindh government introduced a modern public-private partnership framework for mining in 2008, which laid the foundation for the development of the Thar coal project. He said two major coal blocks in Thar are currently operational and together generate approximately 2,640 megawatts of electricity.
He added that the government plans to increase Thar coal-based power generation to 3,000 megawatts, further strengthening Pakistan’s energy security. According to the Chief Minister, more than 15 million tonnes of coal are currently being produced annually from Thar, while the use of indigenous coal is saving the country an estimated US$1.5 billion each year by reducing reliance on imported fuel.
His remarks underscored the provincial government’s commitment to expanding the mining and energy sectors through sustainable investment and strategic development initiatives.
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