Jhampir coal mining to cease after SHC order
The Sindh High Court has ordered the closure of coal mining operations in the Jhampir area of district Thatta within three months, related to a dispute between two private companies over coal mining.
The hearing took place in the Sindh High Court regarding a case concerning the dispute between two private companies over coal mining in the Jhampir area of district Thatta, Express News reported.
The Director-General of Coal and Mining and the High Court's Nazir submitted a report to the court. The report stated that the mining area was left open, resulting in environmental pollution.
Due to the open mining area, environmental pollution was occurring. The work in the area is currently halted due to disputes. Environmental pollution issues were identified after a field visit.
The court has ordered the mining company to close the mining site within three months. The court remarked that it is the company's responsibility to take measures for environmental protection.
The private company had filed a petition against another company regarding encroachments on leased land. In the petition filed by Messrs Amin Brothers, it was stated that the petitioner holds a coal mining license valid until February 2026. Khaleel-ur-Rehman Coal Mining has begun extracting coal from their site.
'Govt overhauling Sindh's energy infrastructure'
Sindh Minister for Energy, Planning, and Development Syed Nasir Shah has said that the provincial government is taking steps to overhaul the province's energy infrastructure.
Speaking at an 'energy dialogue' hosted by The Knowledge Forum (TKF) and NED University of Energy and Technology at a hotel, Shah revealed a renewable energy programme designed to provide affordable and sustainable power solutions to millions of residents.
The initiative includes a wide range of innovative strategies to tackle the province's ongoing energy challenges. A key component of the program is the distribution of 200,000 solar systems to low-consumption households, aimed at benefiting over two million people across the K-Electric, HESCO, and SEPCO regions. The solar systems, which include panels, batteries, fans, and energy-efficient bulbs, are targeted at households using 100 units or less of electricity per month.
Shah also listed the government's ongoing efforts to implement alternative energy projects, such as solar, wind, and hybrid power, developed through public-private partnerships. "Significant progress has been made in Thar, where cheaper power is being generated from coal," Shah added. Sindh's energy diversification includes solar, wind, nuclear, and coal power, positioning Sindh as a key energy hub in the country.
Mahfooz Qazi, Director of Alternate Energy for the Sindh government, elaborated on the development of a 400MW solar park, which is expected to be grid-integrated within the next two years. He also noted that government buildings are being solarized, with plans underway to extend the solarisation program to public hospitals and schools.
From a financial perspective, Qazi mentioned that the Sindh government had earned $49 million in carbon credits through public-private collaborations. He also announced that the World Bank had extended a 30-year loan to support the province's renewable energy transition.