Nawaz, Zardari launch Thar coal power project

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and former president Asif Zardari on Friday jointly performed the groundbreaking ceremony of $1.6 billion Thar Coal power project.
The project will initially provide 660MW for Pakistan’s energy starved industrial units. It will be completed in 2017 and help spur economic development and bring energy security to the country.
Addressing a gathering on the occasion, Nawaz pledged to overcome gas and power shortage shortly. He said three power projects on River Indus namely Bunji‚ Dasu and Diamer-Bhasha dams would produce around 15,000 megawatts of electricity. The nuclear power plant in Karachi will produce 2,200MW of electricity, he added. The PM also said Tarbela upraising project and Jhimpir wind power project would add further electricity to the national grid.
He said the project would not only bring investment to the country but would also provide employment opportunities to local population and improve their living standards.
Nawaz said prosperity and peace in one province were the development of the entire country. He said all parties should get united to work for peace‚ prosperity and development. He said it was high time to shun political differences and move forward.
“We have respected the mandate of all political parties after general elections,” Nawaz said. He expressed pleasure over Thar Coal power project and said it was not only the Sindh government’s project‚ but a national project. Nawaz said his and Zardari’s character should be a role model for the people. He said good advises should be considered for national interest. The premier said stale politics was no more visible and politicians believing in the national development were now ruling the roost. He said the government would support establishment of industries in the area after completion of the project. He said the government could not commit injustice as it was answerable to God and the people.
The project will be carried out by Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC) – a joint venture between Engro Powergen and government of Sindh.
The project in Block – II of Tharparkar district is spread over an area of 79.6 square kilometers. According to a feasibility study, the project is commercially viable and has no significant environmental threats and social implications.
In the Phase I, the project will develop coal mining and power project with a capacity of 3.8 million tons per annum and 660MW.
Subsequently the mine will be expanded to a coal capacity of 6.5 million tonnes per annum to support a 1300MW power plant.
In Phase II, it is planned to expand mining project to 13.5 million tonnes and 9.5 million tonnes, with a power generation capacity of 2400MW and 3600MW.
Meanwhile, Zardari thanked Nawaz for taking care of the poor people of Sindh. He said Pakistan’s leadership has now matured and will benefit from democracy.
Sindh and Balochistan chief ministers Qaim Ali Shah and Abdul Malik‚ federal ministers‚ chief executive of Engro Company and other officials were present.
Zardari and Shah received Nawaz at Sindhri Airport on his arrival.