The Energy Department, Government of Sindh, on Wednesday hosted a high-level delegation of senior civil service officers from the Government of Bangladesh as part of the Executive Development Programme organised by the Civil Services Academy (CSA), Lahore.
The visiting delegation attended a strategic briefing on Sindh’s energy initiatives, infrastructure development, and Thar coal projects. Secretary Energy, Government of Sindh, Shahab Qamar Ansari, welcomed the delegation and highlighted Sindh’s growing role in Pakistan’s energy security through renewable energy, indigenous coal development, oil and gas exploration, transmission infrastructure, and energy efficiency initiatives.
Managing Director of the Thar Coal & Energy Board (TCEB), Tariq Ali Shah, delivered a detailed presentation on Thar coal development and its strategic importance for Pakistan’s long-term energy security. He informed the delegation that the Thar Coalfield contains one of the world’s largest lignite coal reserves, estimated at 175 billion tonnes, and that operational projects in Blocks I and II were already contributing thousands of megawatts to the national grid.
The delegation was also briefed on key achievements, including the development of modern mining infrastructure, roads, railway connectivity, airports, water supply systems, and transmission facilities in Thar. The presentation further highlighted socio-economic initiatives such as employment generation, women’s empowerment, vocational training, education, healthcare, resettlement programmes, and environmental management in the region.
The visiting officers expressed keen interest in Sindh’s renewable energy and Thar coal initiatives and acknowledged the importance of regional cooperation and knowledge sharing for sustainable energy development in South Asia.
Cultural event
To promote cultural relations between Pakistan and Bangladesh, a delegation of senior civil servants from Bangladesh visited the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi. President Arts Council Mohammad Ahmed Shah warmly welcomed the Bangladeshi delegation and, while giving them a tour of various sections of the Arts Council, briefed them on cultural activities. On this occasion, a grand cultural night was organised in which fabulous musical and dance performances were presented. Renowned Alghoza player Akbar Khamiso Khan won the hearts of the Bangladeshi guests by presenting Sindhi folk music. Head of the Dance Academy, Mani Chao, gave an outstanding performance on “Bharatanatyam.” Arts Council students Prarthna, Waqas, Vinod, Pulwasha, and Sarah Hanson created a stir with their performance by presenting Pakistani contemporary dance.
The event also featured music from Pakistan and Bangladesh, a violin solo, and various cultural dances, including a blend of traditional and modern styles, along with folk music performances by Esha Tamsil and Cynthia. The performances were appreciated by the audience, who applauded the artists enthusiastically. Director General NIPA Dr Saif-ur-Rehman attended the program as a special guest. From Bangladesh, Additional Secretary Health Services Division Salma Siddiqua Mehtab represented the 12-member delegation.
