PM Shahbaz Sharif inaugurated a 330-megawatt coal power plant under CPEC Block II in the district Tharparkar on Monday.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign minister Bilawal Bhutto, and Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali shah were all present on the occasion.
Addressing the ceremony, PM Shehbaz said that Thar coal will provide electricity at 10 rupees per unit. He said that thar has more than 175 million tons of coal deposits that can be leveraged to produce gas.
The initiative would save the country between $5 and $6 billion each year and extraordinarily improve its economy. As per reports, the power project’s capacity for power generation will rise to 2640 MW by next year.
The chief minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, was also present to greet and brief the prime minister.
He said that Thar coal comprises 14 blocks and that we are now focusing on Blocks I and II only.
The Sindh government worked diligently to establish a quality infrastructure in Thar, spending $750 million, the CM added.
Thar Coal was a game changer for the country since it could provide four billion dollars in yearly economic benefits from the export of just 70 mtpa coal.
Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also addressed on the occasion, stating that Thar, which was formerly known for its famine and high death rates, has now evolved as a game changer.
The Coal Mines project has contributed to raising the standard of living of Thar locals by providing them with various work opportunities, he added.
Bilawal also emphasized the importance of replicating cooperative ventures in other parts of the country as well and expressed confidence that the PM will speedily materialize the initiatives with his outstanding Shehbaz Speed.
It is pertinent to note that Nong Rong, the Chinese Ambassador, was also there at the launching ceremony to congratulate the govt on the success of the project.
He lauded PM Shahbaz for his continuous devotion and solid support in boosting Pakistan-China cooperation, including initiatives such as CPEC etc.
