KARACHI: Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nihal Hashmi held a meeting with Federal Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik, Federal Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi, Minister of State for Sports Khel Das Kohistani, Fahad Haroon and other senior officials on Thursday, with discussions focusing on petroleum supply and the country’s transport and energy infrastructure.

The governor praised the efforts to maintain uninterrupted supplies of petroleum products despite difficult economic conditions and challenges facing the energy sector.

Hashmi particularly appreciated measures taken by Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik to ensure the continued availability of fuel across the country.

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The petroleum minister said all relevant stakeholders had provided strong support to the Ministry of Petroleum in ensuring uninterrupted supplies during challenging circumstances.

The discussion highlighted the importance of maintaining reliable fuel availability for consumers, businesses and essential economic activities.

Hashmi said coordinated efforts among government institutions and industry stakeholders were essential to managing the country’s energy requirements and preventing disruptions in petroleum supplies.

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Senior officials from key energy and maritime organisations also attended the meeting, underlining the importance of coordination across the petroleum supply chain.

Karachi-Rohri railway project planned for next year

Railways Minister Hanif Abbasi told the meeting that construction of a 480-kilometre railway track from Karachi to Rohri is scheduled to begin next year.

The project is expected to strengthen rail connectivity between Karachi, one of the country’s main commercial and port centres, and interior Sindh.

Abbasi also said Pakistan Railways would soon begin transporting petroleum products, automobiles, minerals and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

The expansion of freight services could provide additional transportation capacity for important commodities while supporting trade and industrial activity.

Railways transporting 11,000 tonnes of Thar coal daily

The railway minister highlighted the existing role of Pakistan Railways in transporting energy resources.

He said around 11,000 tonnes of coal from Thar are being transported daily to the national grid through Pakistan Railways.

The movement of coal by rail is aimed at supporting power generation while providing a large-scale transportation link between Thar’s mining operations and power infrastructure.

The government’s broader plans to expand rail-based freight services could increase the role of Pakistan Railways in transporting energy products and industrial materials.

Senior officials attend Karachi meeting

The meeting was attended by a wide range of government and institutional representatives.

Consuls general from Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait were present, along with the Parliamentary Secretary for Petroleum, Federal Petroleum Secretary, Inspector General of Sindh Police and Chairman of Port Qasim Authority.

Senior officials from major energy and transport organisations also participated, including the managing directors of Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), Pakistan State Oil (PSO) and Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), as well as the chairman of Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC).

The participation of officials from petroleum, gas, shipping, ports, railways and law enforcement institutions reflected the broad coordination required to maintain fuel supplies and strengthen the country’s transportation infrastructure.

The discussions come as Pakistan seeks to improve its energy supply chain and expand rail freight services, with the proposed Karachi-Rohri track and new cargo operations expected to play a role in strengthening connectivity and logistics.