‘Project to convert Thar coal into liquid fuel begins’

Minister says initiative aims to provide alternative to imported petrol

KARACHI:

The work on the project to convert Thar coal into liquid fuel has commenced, providing an alternative to imported petrol for vehicles, said Sindh Caretaker Minister for Finance, P&D and Revenue Muhammad Younus Dagha.

He made this announcement during an exclusive interview with The Express Tribune following the ITCN exhibition held at the Karachi Expo Centre on Saturday.

Dagha emphasised that the caretaker government is dedicated to introduce transparency in the system, making investments in the mineral sector of Sindh more appealing.

He said that the goal is to leave the province in a better state than how it was handed over to the caretaker government. He further mentioned that an online system is being implemented in government departments that involve direct interaction with the public.

Read Thar coal in jeopardy as dues threaten stability

"This move aims to address corruption issues through automation and online process," Dagha stated. Additionally, the Sindh government is set to introduce an e-pay system, enabling users to pay vehicle taxes conveniently from their homes.

The minister highlighted the extensive data collected in the electronic census, which can be leveraged for sector-specific employment opportunities. Responding to a question, the finance minister clarified that the creation of new plans and policies fall within the purview of elected representatives.

Earlier, during the inauguration of the 23rd ITCN exhibition at the Expo Centre Karachi, Dagha emphasised the significance of the IT sector in government policy. He stressed that the country can achieve its social and economic goals by harnessing the potential of the IT sector.

"The caretaker government is prioritising this sector during its limited tenure," he said.

Dagha stated that the government is resolute in addressing the issue of rising inflation.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, September 3^rd, 2023.