August 8, 2025: Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Sindh’s Minister for Energy, Planning & Development, has appreciated the contributions of Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) for its progressive mining operations and commitment to inclusive development through the Thar Foundation. SECMC, a pioneer in Pakistan’s mining sector, is widely recognized as one of the country’s most successful public-private partnerships between the Government of Sindh, Engro and other affiliates.

During his visit to Thar Block II, Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah was accompanied by Dost Muhammad Rahimoon (Advisor to CM for Environment & Climate Change), MNA Dr. Mahesh Kumar Malani, MPA Faqir Sher Muhammad Bilalani, MNA Dr. Ramesh Kumar, MPA Mohammad Qasim Soomro, Rajveer Singh (Special Assistant to CM), Dr. Ghulam Haider Samejo (District Council Chairman), Mushtaque Ahmed Soomro (Secretary, Energy Department), Tariq Ali Shah (Managing Director, Thar Coal Energy Board), Faisal Uqaili (Commissioner Mirpurkhas), Zain Ansari (DG Thar Coal), and other government representatives.

The delegation was briefed on the strategic role of indigenous Thar coal in Pakistan’s energy mix and the consistent support of the Government of Sindh in the development of Thar Block II. It was highlighted that SECMC has initiated its Phase III mine expansion to increase capacity from 7.6 million to 11.4 million tons per annum, which will energize 4.5 million households daily. To boost socio-economic opportunities in Thar, SECMC has prioritized local talent development. Currently, 94% of the Company’s workforce is from Sindh, with 60% belonging to the Thar region. In addition, more than 2000 youth have received industry relevant vocational training to improve their livelihood opportunities.

The Minister also inaugurated an EV charging station for 70-ton electric trucks, inducted into SECMC’s dumper fleet on a pilot basis. SECMC is the first mining company in Pakistan to introduce electric trucks in its operations, aimed at reducing fuel costs and improving operational efficiency.

Minister Syed Nasir Shah launched the second phase of the Thar Foundation Hospital in Islamkot, with a 50-bed Mother and Child Unit under construction. The hospital currently offers free consultations, medications, lab services, and diagnostic scans such as ultrasounds and digital X-rays. The Minister also witnessed a cancer-related awareness session organized in support of the Sindh Government’s health initiatives. He praised the hospital’s OPD, mobile units and specialist clinic facilities, where the patients expressed satisfaction with the quality of services provided. Since its inception, Thar Foundation has delivered free healthcare to over 370,000 patients through seven operational facilities.

The delegation interacted with teachers and students at a Thar Foundation school, where they were given a presentation on the curriculum and Digital Literacy Program. Minister Syed Nasir Shah awarded certificates to students who recently passed the Federal Board Matric exams with A-grades. Recently, secondary schools operated jointly by Thar Foundation and The Citizens Foundation (TCF) achieved a 100% pass rate, underscoring the quality of education provided. Thar Foundation currently runs 28 school units, serving over 5,000 students out of which 35% are girls.

Minister Syed Nasir Shah acknowledged the contribution of Engro and other partners for the success of Thar Block II project. He reaffirmed the Government of Sindh’s commitment to harnessing Thar’s indigenous coal reserves to support Pakistan’s economic growth. The Minister highlighted that coal gasification is being explored for the fertilizer sector, while the completion of the Thar rail link will facilitate the use of coal across other key industries. He further noted that the socio-economic transformation witnessed in Thar would not have been possible without the development of these projects.

Commenting on the high-profile tour, Amir Iqbal – CEO of SECMC, shared that, “It was a privilege to host the Energy Minister and his delegation at Thar Block II, where they witnessed firsthand our safe and reliable mining operations, along with the transformational impact of our community initiatives. We would also like to express our sincere gratitude to the Government of Sindh for its consistent support in the development of Thar Block II, which has enhanced Pakistan’s energy security and promoted inclusive development in the region. Guided by our vision, we remain committed to energizing Pakistan’s future by leading the way as a world-class, sustainable mining company.”