Last year, an agreement was signed between Government of Sindh, SDGs Support Unit Sindh, UNDP Pakistan, Thar Foundation of Sindh Engro Coal Mining company (SECMC), to create Islamkot, Tharparker a model SDG Taluka where multiple SDGs will be addressed.

In Tharparker, where 87% of the population is living in poverty, Thar Foundation will help Government of Sindh proliferate a best practice in localization and implementation of Agenda 2030, in high priority SDGs, with the technical support from SDGs Support Unit Sindh.
Currently, Thar Foundation is contributing towards the areas of education, healthcare, human resource development, livelihood, infrastructure, drinking water, women empowerment, culture & heritage, youth development and disaster management.

Education: Currently, 24 schools have been established with an expenditure of PKR 600 million which have the capacity to impart affordable, quality education to 5000 Thari students in collaboration with TCF and Charter for Compassion.

Health: Thar Foundation has been contributing towards immunization and basic health care needs of Thari people. As of now, 100% Hepatitis B and C vaccination has been completed in Block-II & Gorano. More than 100 patients have undergone free surgery for Cataract and Marvi Mother & Child Clinic currently runs free OPD and medicines service for 7 days a week.

The initiative represents a successful and effective public-private partnership model, with a leading role of the private sector in accelerating progress towards Agenda 2030 and attainment of 17 SDGs. The pilot has potential for replication across other areas.