Tharparkar will be known as a flourishing, prosperous region of Sindh because Thar Coal project is Pakistan's introduction to a bright, energy-affluent future. The project work being done in Thar Block II is of international standards. No other instance of such quality in a project of such magnitude.
This was said by Governor Sindh, Muhammad Zubair while talking to media and inaugurating the Thar Foundation-established TCF School Engro Campus at Islamkot. He was quite clear in asserting that the Thar Coal project is all set to change Pakistan's future in terms of energy. TCF's Engro Campus at Islamkot for 1000 students has been established by the Thar Foundation with the financial and technical support from Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) and Engro Powergen Thar Limited (EPTL).
"The electricity produced will be provided to the national grid and, thereby, will light up the country's households and energize the industries. Thar should have its share of the electricity produced from the coal underlying its soil," he added. He said that, the work being undertaken in the health, education, livelihood and agriculture, and women empowerment are herald to a point of time in near future when Tharparkar will be known as a flourishing, prosperous region of Sindh.
Governor took a comprehensive tour of Pakistan's first open pit coal mine at Block II and adjoining power plant, model house, and green park as well. While inside the pit, the Governor also marked the 100 meter depth by unveiling a ceremonial plaque.
He said that the Thar Foundation's work in the sectors of health, education, livelihood, and agriculture is unprecedented in the social development sector, and that it should be widened to embrace the entire Islamkot tehsil and not just Block II. He also met the first Thari woman engineer of the project, Kiran Sadhwani. Throughout his visit, he was accompanied by Chairman Dawood Group Hussain Dawood, President Engro Corporation Ghias Khan, Chief Executive Officer Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) Shamsuddin Ahmad Shaikh, Commissioner Mirpurkhas Shafiq Ahmed Mahesar, DIG Mirpurkhas Mazhar Nawaz Shaikh, DC Tharparkar and officials of the SECMC, EPTL, and Thar Foundation.
Earlier, the Governor was briefed on the progress of the power plant under construction to produce 660MW power and 100 meters achievement of the coal mine. Briefing the Governor about the project progress, SECMC CEO, Shaikh said that their aim is to turn project affectees into project beneficiaries. He said that with the efforts of Government of Sindh has divested its shares to the beneficiaries of Thar Coal Block II project, which was an unprecedented move in the development history of Pakistan.