MITHI: Sindh Energy Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah on Monday pacified residents of different villages of Thar who had been holding a sit-in in Islamkot for several days over alleged unfair attitude of the Thar Coal management towards them.

Speaking to the representatives of the protesters, the minister held out the assurance that their issues would be addressed soon.

After listening their demands, he agreed that the private companies operating in the Tharparkar region should prefer locals in employment in all projects.

The minister also announced government’s plan to install additional water filtration plants to alleviate shortage of drinking water in the area.

Nasir Shah said that private firms must strictly adhere to the agreements concluded with government. “Action will be taken against any company found violating these agreements,” he warned.

The minister assured the protesters that no local resident would lose his job as a result of the Thar Coal operations. “We are committed to safeguarding the rights and livelihoods of the people of Thar,” he said.

Published in Dawn, December 24th, 2024