Sindh CM Rejects New Provinces Move, Says No Violence Will Be Allowed

Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has firmly opposed the creation of new provinces, saying that no one will be allowed to spill blood over the issue. He urged critics who claim the system has collapsed to visit the successful Thar coal project as an example of effective governance and development.

Speaking to the media after addressing a Mining Technical Conference organized by Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company, the chief minister said the Constitution provides a clear mechanism for creating new provinces, requiring a two-thirds majority. He noted that the Sindh Assembly has repeatedly rejected proposals for new provinces through unanimous resolutions.

Murad Ali Shah said there was no objection to holding discussions on the issue, but stressed that the people of Sindh have confidence in their elected representatives and that the provincial assembly has consistently opposed any division of the province.

Responding to a question on protests, he said peaceful protest is a democratic right, but demonstrations should be held with official permission and in a manner that does not inconvenience the public.

On agriculture, the chief minister said the provincial cabinet has approved the procurement of 500,000 tons of wheat, while provisions have been made to purchase up to one million tons if needed. He emphasized that the government’s priority is to protect local farmers.

Earlier, addressing the conference, Murad Ali Shah described the Thar Coal Project as a successful model built through cooperation between local communities, investors, and the government. He said the partnership between Chinese companies and local stakeholders had transformed Thar into a model for future mining ventures across Pakistan.

He added that mining projects cannot succeed without the participation and support of local communities, expressing hope that the conference would attract further investment and international interest in Pakistan’s mineral sector.

Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company CEO Amir Iqbal said experts from Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, and the Middle East participated in the conference. He noted that Pakistan possesses vast untapped reserves of gold and copper worth billions of dollars, which can be developed through modern mining technologies.

Iqbal said both American companies and local business groups are showing increasing interest in Pakistan’s mining sector, while government policies and the regulatory framework are becoming more supportive. However, he pointed out that infrastructure remains a major challenge for attracting large-scale investment.

He also announced plans to organize an International Mining Summit next year instead of a national event and revealed that the company is preparing to launch a Coal-to-Fertilizer Gasification project. He said the company currently does not use electricity from the national grid but plans to connect in 2028, which is expected to reduce coal production costs.

Iqbal further said that Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has been invited to inaugurate the Thar Coal Phase-III project in October.