Dr. Rüdiger Lotz, the German Consul General, recently visited Thar Coal Block II in Pakistan's Tharparkar district to observe the operations of the Sindh Engro Coal Mining Company (SECMC), the 660 MW Engro Powergen Thar Limited (EPTL) power plant, and community development initiatives led by the Thar Foundation.
The visit highlighted the successful operation of the mine-mouth power plant, which provides affordable electricity to the national grid, as well as the Thar Foundation’s comprehensive efforts to uplift local communities through healthcare, education, women’s empowerment, and sustainable infrastructure projects.
Dr. Lotz toured several Thar Foundation initiatives, gaining insights into their positive impact on the local population. At the Thar Foundation School, he met students and teachers, praising the high standard of education. He also visited the Government Polytechnic Institute in Mithi, where he interacted with female students enrolled in the DAE (Diploma of Associate Engineering) mining program, supported by Thar Foundation scholarships, and inaugurated a “Tailoring & Dressmaking” unit.
The Consul General also explored mobile clinics and the Thar Foundation hospital, expressing appreciation for the healthcare services provided to the community. Additionally, he visited cultural heritage sites like Gori Mandir and Marvi Well and took part in a tree-planting activity, acknowledging efforts to make Thar greener.
At a Reverse Osmosis (RO) plant, Dr. Lotz interacted with female operators and presented certificates to newly trained staff. During his tour of the mine, he met with female dumper truck drivers, commending the initiative to empower local women in the workforce.
Reflecting on his experience, Dr. Lotz remarked, "What I have seen in Thar is truly extraordinary, particularly in terms of community development. The public-private partnership here is creating tangible, lasting value for both Pakistan and its people."
Nadir Salar Qureshi, CEO of Engro Energy Limited, emphasized the significance of international collaboration in showcasing Thar's progress. “The Thar Coal Block II projects are delivering affordable, reliable electricity to the national grid and highlight the power of public-private partnerships in driving sustainable development. We are deeply thankful to the Government of Sindh and our partners for their ongoing support. By prioritizing energy security and community welfare, we aim to foster national prosperity,” he stated.
Amir Iqbal, CEO of SECMC & Thar Foundation, expressed hope for further international diplomatic visits to witness the transformative impact of Tharparkar on Pakistan's growth. He also underscored the potential of collaborating with advanced economies like Germany, adding, “These partnerships are vital for transferring technical expertise, promoting skills development, and empowering local communities, while enhancing Pakistan’s position as a global energy and economic partner.”
