A high-level delegation of senior civil service officers from Bangladesh today visited the Energy Department in Karachi
to gain comprehensive insight into Sindh’s energy projects, the strategic Thar Coal project, which is considered vital for Pakistan’s national energy security, and to assess opportunities for regional cooperation in the energy sector.
The Bangladeshi representatives were welcomed by Secretary Energy Shahab Qamar Ansari. Their visit was part of an executive program conducted by the Civil Services Academy in Lahore, aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of Pakistan’s developmental endeavors.
During their visit, the group was given detailed presentations on various energy programs in Sindh, including renewable energy, coal, oil, and gas initiatives. The central focus was Thar Coal, highlighted by Secretary Ansari as a pivotal resource with an estimated 175 billion tons of coal reserves in the Thar Coalfield, crucial for the nation’s energy independence.
The delegation was informed about the significant contributions of Thar Coal Block I and II, expected to provide thousands of megawatts of electricity to the national grid. Beyond energy production, discussions also included associated infrastructure developments in Thar, encompassing roads, railways, and water projects, as well as crucial social development initiatives focused on employment, women’s empowerment, and education.
The visiting Bangladeshi officials expressed keen interest in Sindh’s diverse energy projects. They actively participated in discussions about potential cooperation and knowledge exchange within the broader South Asian energy sector, highlighting a shared regional commitment to energy security.
The entire program was successfully organized with the expert support of the National Institute of Public Administration (NIPA) Karachi.