Lawmaker Claims Pakistan Steel Mills Was Quietly Offered to Russia

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 committee to explain the worsening situation.

The meeting was chaired by Syed Hafeezuddin, during which a subcommittee report on Pakistan Steel Mills was presented by committee member Naz Baloch.

The lawmaker claimed that theft was taking place on a large scale within the Steel Mills and alleged that the facility had been offered for sale to Russia nearly six months ago. According to her, the situation has since deteriorated significantly.

Baloch informed the committee that the subcommittee’s visit to the Steel Mills’ hospital revealed what she described as a “staged arrangement,” alleging that facilities were temporarily set up for inspection and later removed.

Taking serious notice of the matter, the committee summoned the CEO of Pakistan Steel Mills to brief members on both the theft incidents and the ongoing electricity-related issues.

Separately, the Ministry of Industries and Production briefed the committee on its development portfolio for the current fiscal year.

Officials informed members that the ministry had initiated 10 development projects this year, of which five have been completed so far. The total estimated cost of these projects exceeds Rs. 20 billion.

An allocation of over Rs. 1.19 billion has been made for ongoing projects during the current fiscal year. Of this amount, more than Rs. 666 million has been released during the first two quarters, while over Rs. 420 million has been spent to date.

The ministry also proposed the inclusion of 14 new development projects in the upcoming Public Sector Development Program (PSDP).

Committee members voiced strong displeasure over continued theft at the Steel Mills and questioned the ministry’s oversight.

Committee member Abdul Hakim Baloch noted that officials accused of involvement in theft often return to service after obtaining stay orders from courts.

In response, the CEO 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.

However, the committee chairman remarked that all relevant institutions, including government bodies, had so far failed to curb theft at the Mills. He ruled that officials returning through court stay orders would not be allowed to participate in committee proceedings and urged the media to highlight the issue.

The committee also summoned the Defence Security Force, responsible for security at Pakistan Steel Mills and operating under the Ministry of Defence, to explain the prevailing security lapses.

Officials informed the committee that scrap dealers were often aware of individuals involved in theft, indicating serious enforcement gaps.

The matter is expected to be taken up again in the committee’s next meeting after hearing from security authorities and Pakistan Steel Mills management.