Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf Thursday announced full support of the federal government for the ambitious Thar Coal project, aimed at helping the country meet its energy shortages. Addressing a gathering here after visiting the Thar coal project, the Prime Minister also announced an amount of Rs 200 million for development projects, including provision of electricity in the area.
He also announced setting up of an IT centre, to impart basic computer education to the children, in every town. The Prime Minister who was earlier given a detailed briefing by Dr Samar Mubarakmand about the gasification project to generate electricity from coal, also announced a month salary as bonus for all those working on the project.
Prime Minister Ashraf was accompanied by Minister for Information Qamar Zaman Kaira, Minister for Religious Affairs Syed Khurshid Shah, Minister for Defence Syed Naveed Qamar, Chief Minister Sindh Qaim Ali Shah and Adviser on Petroleum Dr Asim Hussain. The Prime Minister said the completion of this project would attract investors from around the world and generate massive economic activity.
He said the Thar Coal was a bounty of Allah Almighty that would bring about a revolutionary change in the lives of the people of the area. He recalled that it was Shaheed Benazir Bhutto who took the step to exploit the rich mineral resources hidden deep under the ground, and to usher in an era of prosperity for the people of Pakistan.
He said the current project was the outcome of years of devoted work and was a success. He lauded Dr Samar Mubarakmand for working on the gasification project without drawing any salary. "I appreciate Dr Samar for working here with a national commitment and without any monetary incentives."
He said initial estimates put 2 billion barrels of diesel in one block only. The coal reservoirs, he said, can be used to produce urea fertiliser, diesel, electricity and gas. He said three companies were currently working here, while many other international organisations were keen to join hands. He said the people of Thar have the first right on the coal reservoirs and their right has been further strengthened after the passage of the 18th constitutional amendment. He said the local people would also have priority in jobs at the project.
The Prime Minister said Shaheed Benazir Bhutto had urged the party not to indulge in any confrontation with other parties and work with them to resolve national issues with consensus and a policy of reconciliation. He said it was in this spirit that Pakistan Peoples Party, under the guidance of President Asif Ali Zardari formed the government with the support of its allies, despite the rumours that it would not be long lasting. He said it was a proud moment for the government to have presented the fifth budget.
Prime Minister Ashraf said he was proud to have risen from the ranks of an ordinary worker, as it was this party alone that gave due recognition to its workers. He said no other political party has understood the real way politics works and it has deep roots amongst the masses and has rendered numerous sacrifices for democracy and the nation. He said it was the only party that has full support from Khyber to Karachi.
He said it was a matter of pleasure to be in a part of Sindh, whose people were known for their hard work, commitment to their land and above all loved the Pakistan Peoples Party. He said he had his early life and education from Sindh and has a deep affection with the land and its people, who are loving and caring. Chief Minister Sindh Syed Qaim Ali Shah said initiation of new projects for power generation were vital for strengthening of the national economy. He said it would encourage foreign investors to launch new industries in Pakistan. Prime Minister Ashraf was also presented Sindhi Ajrak and cap.
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