Sindh’s Untapped Energy Held Back by Federal Hurdles: Sharjeel Memon

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has stated that the province possesses vast untapped energy resources capable of resolving Pakistan’s ongoing energy crisis. However, he criticized federal government policies for impeding the growth of Sindh’s energy sector.

Speaking to the media, Memon stressed the importance of respecting provincial autonomy and granting Sindh authority proportional to its resources, which he believes could trigger an energy revolution in the country.

He highlighted that in the past six years, 30 million tonnes of coal from Thar have been supplied to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), generating 31 gigawatts of electricity and providing power to over three million homes. “Thar coal can fulfil Pakistan’s power needs for decades,” Memon asserted, emphasizing the sustainability of local energy solutions.

Additionally, the Sindh government is constructing a 105-kilometer railway line to connect Thar’s coalfields with national and international markets, a project expected to transform energy trade and logistics.

Sindh is also advancing its renewable energy sector. The province has operational wind corridors and multiple solar projects underway. The Nooriabad solar project is already supplying 100 megawatts to Karachi. A budget of Rs2.5 billion has been allocated for future solar initiatives, with plans underway for two new solar parks in Karachi and others in Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Larkana.

Memon accused the federal government of deliberately obstructing Sindh’s solar and wind energy projects and called for the removal of barriers and full cooperation.

On governance matters, Memon reported efforts to address illegal constructions across Sindh, with the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) issuing 37 demolition notices in Sukkur alone.

He also warned of flood risks due to rising water levels in the Indus River, with low-level floods reported at Guddu and Sukkur barrages, leading to the activation of relief camps.

In public health, post-monsoon alerts have been issued following a surge in gastroenteritis, diarrhoea, and viral infections. Mobile clinics have been deployed to provide healthcare services.

Regarding vehicle registration reforms, Memon clarified that the new vehicle plate scheme aims to modernize registration processes, prevent theft, and reduce crime. He dismissed negative reactions as “baseless propaganda.”

Concluding his remarks, Memon emphasized that public welfare should not be politicized and assured that the Sindh government remains committed to addressing genuine public grievances.

Read More: Pakistan Forms Special Committee to Counter India’s Water Aggression