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Pakistan has taken a significant step toward joining the global lithium supply chain after the discovery of high-grade lithium in Sindh’s Khairpur district, a development that could pave the way for the country’s first domestic lithium industry and strengthen its ambitions in clean energy and advanced manufacturing. The breakthrough comes as the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) signed a strategic agreement with the Pakistan Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology (PINSTECH) to develop technology capable of extracting lithium from geothermal brine on a commercial scale. The agreement follows the successful identification of high-quality lithium in water produced from a well in Khairpur, raising hopes that Pakistan could eventually reduce its dependence on imported battery materials while creating a new high-value industrial sector. Officials familiar with the project said the collaboration will focus on designing an efficient and commercially viable extraction process. If successful, the initiative could lay the foundation for a local lithium value chain, supporting industries involved in electric vehicle batteries, renewable energy storage systems, and other high-tech applications. The discovery is also expected to attract interest from investors looking to capitalize on the rapidly growing global demand for lithium, a critical mineral used in rechargeable batteries that power electric vehicles, smartphones, laptops, and grid-scale energy storage systems. In another major development, authorities have expanded lithium exploration across Sindh. Plans are underway to investigate eight to ten additional wells in search of further lithium-rich geothermal brine deposits, increasing the likelihood of identifying commercially viable reserves. Energy experts believe Pakistan’s emerging lithium potential could diversify the country’s mineral resources, generate export opportunities, and create skilled employment if exploration results continue to be positive and commercial production becomes feasible. While further scientific studies and economic assessments are still required before large-scale production begins, the Khairpur discovery marks a milestone in Pakistan’s pursuit of critical minerals. Industry observers say sustained investment in research, technology, and infrastructure will be essential to transform the discovery into a competitive domestic lithium industry capable of supporting the country’s long-term energy transition and industrial growth.

The Sindh government has directed Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) to take immediate steps for the three-year appointment of Professor Dr Nighat Shah, daughter of former Sindh chief minister Qaim Ali Shah, just one day before her scheduled retirement. The directive was issued following a decision of the Sindh Cabinet. Secretary of the Boards and Universities Department Abbas Baloch has also issued a formal notification in this regard. According to the notification, the provincial cabinet discussed the matter during its meeting held on August 5 under agenda item 16. The cabinet cited the broader public interest, continuity of specialised medical services, academic leadership, postgraduate medical education, research, innovation and institutional standards as reasons for considering the appointment. The notification initially states that the vice chancellor should consider appointing Dr Nighat Shah as a professor for three years. However, it subsequently directs the university administration to take immediate steps to process her three-year appointment. The university has also been instructed to implement the cabinet decision without delay and submit a report on the action taken to the Boards and Universities Department on a priority basis. The appointment has raised questions because the government has referred to a notification issued by the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) on May 19, 2026. The PMDC had allowed public medical and dental institutions to hire retired faculty members on a purely contractual basis until the age of 65. However, the council had clarified that the policy was enabling in nature and was not mandatory for any institution. Under the PMDC policy, individual institutions were allowed to make decisions according to their requirements, rules, regulations and available resources. The PMDC notification also stated that contractual appointments of retired faculty would not create any right to permanent employment, seniority or absorption into the regular cadre. It further clarified that such appointments should not adversely affect the promotion opportunities, career progression or cadre structure of junior faculty members. The case has therefore raised questions about the need for the provincial cabinet to intervene in the appointment of a particular retired faculty member when the PMDC policy leaves the decision to individual institutions. The PMDC notification is a general policy applicable to public medical and dental institutions. It does not specifically direct any institution to appoint an individual faculty member. The proposed appointment has also triggered concerns over seniority within JSMU. Associate professors Dr Shazia Naseeb, Dr Nasreen Fatima, Dr Saba Khan, Dr Iram Majid and Dr Maimoona Rehman are reportedly among those whose seniority could be affected by Dr Nighat Shah’s appointment. The issue is likely to attract further attention because the proposed appointment comes immediately before Dr Nighat Shah’s retirement. Questions are also being raised about how the decision could affect existing faculty members and their career progression.