MITHI: Commander V Corps Lt-Gen Shahid Baig Mirza visited block-II of the Thar Coal Power Project and inspected mining operations at the country’s first open-pit coal mine, under-construction power plant and community development projects on Sunday and Monday, according to a statement issued by the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC).

Impressed by the standards being maintained in the execution of the project, Gen Mirza observed that the work was being carried out in such a meticulous manner that “I’m sure it will prove to be the game-changer in the country’s energy sector”.

He also appreciated the company’s efforts towards welfare of the Thari community and provision of employment to locals. No development is development in real sense unless it benefits the local population, the corps commander was quoted as telling the company executives accompanying him during the visit.

Gen Mirza described the Thar coal project as an important milestone in the country’s development. For Pakistan, all projects lin­ked to the China-Pakis­tan Economic Corridor (CPEC) are significant, according to him.

“The Pakistan Army and its subordinate forces will not allow a scratch on CPEC projects in Sindh,” he said.

The corps commander also visited bio-saline agriculture project, model house and green park, as well as the primary school in Mansingh Bheel village being managed by the Thar Foundation.

Published in Dawn, February 13th, 2018