National Assembly Committee Flags Massive Theft at Steel Mills
The National Assembly Standing Committee on Industries and Production on Thursday expressed serious concern over large-scale theft and administrative failures at Pakistan Steel Mills, directing its Chief Executive Officer to appear before the panel to explain the deteriorating situation.
The meeting was chaired by Syed Hafeezuddin, during which committee member Naz Baloch presented a subcommittee report on Pakistan Steel Mills. She told members that theft was occurring on a large scale at the facility and alleged that the mills had been offered for sale to Russia nearly six months ago. She said the situation had worsened significantly since then.
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Baloch also informed the committee that during the subcommittee’s visit to the Steel Mills’ hospital, members observed what she described as a staged arrangement. She alleged that facilities were temporarily arranged for the inspection and later removed.
Taking notice of the allegations, the committee summoned the Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan Steel Mills to brief members on the reported theft incidents and ongoing electricity-related issues.
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Separately, the Ministry of Industries and Production provided a briefing on its development portfolio for the current fiscal year. Officials said the ministry had initiated 10 development projects this year, five of which have been completed. The total estimated cost of these projects exceeds Rs. 20 billion.
For the current fiscal year, more than Rs. 1.19 billion has been allocated for ongoing projects. Of that amount, over Rs. 666 million has been released during the first two quarters, while more than Rs. 420 million has been spent so far.
The ministry also proposed the inclusion of 14 new development projects in the upcoming Public Sector Development Program.
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Committee members expressed strong dissatisfaction over the continued theft at the Steel Mills and questioned the ministry’s oversight mechanisms. Committee member Abdul Hakim Baloch said officials accused of involvement in theft often return to service after obtaining stay orders from courts.
In response, the Chief Executive Officer of Pakistan Steel Mills, who also serves as an additional secretary at the ministry, stated that action had been taken against individuals involved at senior levels.
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The committee chairman said that all relevant institutions, including government bodies, had so far failed to prevent theft at the mills. He ruled that officials returning through court-issued stay orders would not be permitted to participate in committee proceedings and called on the media to highlight the issue.
The committee also summoned the Defence Security Force, which is responsible for security at Pakistan Steel Mills and operates under the Ministry of Defence, to explain the reported security lapses.
