The Planning Commission has declared the gasification of Thar coal project of nuclear scientist Dr Mubarak Samarkand as ‘unfeasible’ and has stopped its funding. This project was a non-starter from day one and coal experts were amazed at the manner in which this project was initiated and scarce resources made available to the scientist. It is alleged that the reason this project was given extensive publicity, with the scientist going from one forum to another trying to convince everyone that Pakistan’s energy shortages would be solved in no time, was actually to thwart all efforts to utilise Thar coal for Pakistan’s future. He would announce a new date for the success of his project religiously every month. Where’s the beef? One may ask.
In one of my Letters to Editor, I had termed the project as a Quixotic misadventure where Rs 10 billion were earmarked by the government. A pragmatic decision has finally been taken by the Planning Commission to shelve this project. I would further advise the Sindh government to seriously ensure that mere signing of MOUs with foreign investors does not translate into reality. Pakistanis have been taken for a joyride by these so-called investors for a long time. I do not discount strenuous efforts made by the Sindh Board of Investment but many, like me, are still taking the “progress” of the Thar coal project with a pinch of salt. It is time the media takes strong interest in the activities going on in the Thar coalfields and orient the viewers and readers with what is really going on there. Meanwhile, compliments to Planning Commission for saving the country from another financial and economic disaster. Kudos!
MAJYD AZIZ
Karachi
Thar is adjacent to Rajasthan in India, and Indians are using this resource successfully (however?). We can not take risk but we must take initiatives, even open pit coal mining and other gasification methods. Some people in KESC and others are working to make it basis of electricity. World produces around 42% power based on coal, Pakistan makes less than 1%. We are not for wasteful investments, but intelligent work and investments. That is what a leader should accomplish…. Not bureaucrats…. Risk taking is not for risk avert bureaucrats.
i wonder why majid aziz is rejoicing over this apocryphal failure? coal, even worst coal, can be very economically and easily used to produce coal gas to run generators very cheaply. are you on the take of imf?
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