Energy: Sindh CM seeks expanded partnership with Shanghai Electric

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah asked Shanghai Electric Group to widen its role in the province during talks with its chairman, Wu Lei, at the group's Shanghai headquarters on Saturday. His proposals cover seawater desalination, wind and solar generation, battery storage, and processing of coal into higher-value goods. Both sides also reviewed progress on existing projects in Sindh, according to Business Recorder.

Murad Ali Shah called the Thar Block-I Integrated Coal Mine and Power Project a game changer that showed domestic resources can support energy security and growth. He said the provincial government now wants a broader industrial base around Thar's coal reserves, including coal-to-chemicals work and briquetting technology. He also asked the company to consider local assembly of renewable equipment in Special Economic Zones and to train Sindh's engineers at its facilities in China.

On water, the Chief Minister highlighted Karachi's growing supply problems and invited the group to examine a large seawater plant for the city under the province's public-private partnership model. The Chinese firm's chairman and executives welcomed the proposals and reaffirmed support for Pakistan's energy and industrial growth.