A meeting of the Senate Standing Sub-Committee on Industries and Production was held at Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) to review matters pertaining to the financial and administrative affairs of the organisation. The Sub-Committee included Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, Senator Syeda Khalida Ateeb and Senator Danesh Kumar. The Committee deliberated on a range of issues, including the financial position and liabilities of Pakistan Steel Mills, encroachment on PSM land, shortage of manpower, outstanding dues of employees and persistent incidents of theft at the Mills.

During the briefing, PSM officials informed the Committee that the organisation was facing an acute shortage of security personnel, with only around 190 security guards currently available, many of whom require professional training. The Committee was further informed that the Defence Security Force (DSF), which has been assisting in the security arrangements of PSM, is scheduled to withdraw its personnel by September 30, 2026.

The PSM management requested the Committee to facilitate a phased withdrawal of DSF personnel instead of an immediate withdrawal, enabling the organisation to strengthen its own security arrangements and complete the outsourcing process for additional security requirements. The Committee was also informed that approximately 7,000 plots in Gulshan-e-Hadeed Phase-IV were under process for allotment at subsidised market rates. Senator Danesh Kumar expressed concern over the low conviction rate despite the arrest of hundreds of individuals involved in theft incidents at Pakistan Steel Mills.

He stressed the need for effective investigation and prosecution to ensure that those involved in such criminal activities are brought to justice. Senator Syeda Khalida Ateeb observed that theft at Pakistan Steel Mills appeared to be an old and organised issue rather than an isolated activity. She stated that merely apprehending individuals without addressing the underlying network and systemic shortcomings would not resolve the issue. Recalling a previous incident involving the theft of a gas valve allegedly transported by truck, she expressed concern that no meaningful accountability had been established in the matter.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)