Body planned for effective CSR coordination in Thatta

Will streamline welfare work of renewable energy companies for local communities

KARACHI:

Sindh Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah has urged renewable energy companies in Thatta to improve their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives for the benefit of local communities. To streamline efforts, a foundation will be established, comprising representatives from the Sindh government, elected officials, the energy department, and the companies.

During a high-level meeting at the Sindh Energy Department, Shah reviewed the CSR activities of these companies. The meeting was attended by Ministers Ali Hasan Zardar and Riaz Hussain Shah Shirazi, MNA Sadiq Ali Memon, MPA Dr. Sikandar Shoro, Energy Secretary Mossadegh Ahmed Khan, Alternative Energy Project Director Mahfouz Ahmad Qazi, and company representatives.

Shah stressed the need for a unified framework involving all stakeholders to ensure more effective outcomes. "We are not fully aware of the steps taken by companies regarding CSR, which is why a collaborative platform is essential to better serve the community," he stated.

The ministers and elected representatives urged company officials to maintain regular communication with local leaders and assured them of government support in resolving challenges. They emphasized that local residents deserve royalties, employment opportunities, and other benefits, as thousands of acres of land have been allocated for these projects.

To enhance coordination, Shah proposed forming a WhatsApp group for stakeholders and pledged that issues faced by companies at both the provincial and federal levels, including those with NEPRA, would be addressed promptly.

He assured participants that Sindh's top leadership, including President Asif Ali Zardari, Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, are working to resolve outstanding issues. Future CSR efforts will focus on improving schools, hospitals, water supply, job creation, and healthcare services. The ministers, representatives, and company officials expressed appreciation for the platform, hoping it will foster better CSR initiatives and government support.