THARPARKAR / MITHI: Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and former president Asif Ali Zardari together oversaw the groundbreaking ceremony of Engro's open pit mining project in Thar. The project, a joint venture between Engro Powergen and the government of Sindh, will initially provide 660MW of power to the energy-starved industrial units once completed in 2017. Addressing the ceremony, Premier Nawaz appreciated Zardari's invitation to the event, saying that it provided him with an opportunity to see and understand the pivotal development project - at a time when the nation is gripped by an acute power crisis. He also supported former president Zardari's suggestion for setting up an industrial park in Thar that would generate employment for the people. "The Thar coal project will ensure prosperity for the people and for the generations to come" Nawaz said. Earlier, former president Zardari, during his address said the political leadership in the country had matured and the nation would benefit from democracy. "This is a revolution of time which we need to pass onto the new generations," he said. Sindh Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah assured the provincial government's cooperation in the project. Speaking on the occasion, Engro Corporation's Chairman Hussain Dawood said that the project was a major milestone that would serve as a game changer in the energy sector. The Thar Coal Power Company would produce 3,960MW of electricity, in six phases, from the coal in Block II of the project.