KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has invited domestic and international investors to put money into the province’s mining sector, pointing to coal and other minerals as areas with considerable opportunity. He made the appeal during a Wednesday meeting that reviewed the potential of Sindh’s mineral resources.
At the meeting, the chief minister agreed to promote mineral exploration, processing and export-oriented industries. He said the province’s minerals could contribute to economic growth, industrial development and job creation.
Chief minister courts domestic and foreign mining investors
Murad Ali Shah said the provincial government would offer clear regulations, competitive incentives and a business-friendly setting to draw in investors. He also told the provincial Minister for Minerals to set up joint ventures with local and foreign companies.
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Sindh Minister for Minerals Syed Sardar Ali Shah briefed the meeting on the province’s mineral potential and the prospects for investment. Officials were told that Sindh has real capacity for mineral processing, cutting, polishing and export-focused manufacturing.
Push for local processing and modern mining technology
The chief minister said the focus should go beyond digging out minerals. He argued against exporting raw material and called for local processing plants and related industries inside the province.
Murad Ali Shah said adopting modern technology in mining could help create new industries and employment. He also said the Thar Rail Project would play an important part in moving coal to industrial users across the country, linking mining areas with consumers.
He added that transparent procedures would be ensured to restore investor confidence in the sector. Scientific exploration methods and modern technologies, he said, remained among the government’s priorities.
Environmental safeguards and local benefits in Thar
The chief minister directed the relevant authorities to ensure responsible mining, environmental protection and the development of local communities. He stressed that mining projects must give priority to jobs for local residents and to the rehabilitation of affected areas.
Officials told the meeting about proposed initiatives in Thar intended to improve local access to employment, education, healthcare and clean drinking water. Murad Ali Shah said environmental safeguards and the rights of local communities must be central to every mining project.
He said the Sindh government welcomed long-term investment and strategic partnerships to develop the mineral sector. The chief minister expressed confidence that responsible use of mineral resources would support sustainable growth and a better future for the people of Sindh.
