36 tons stolen from Pakistan steel mills, Senate seeks action

ISLAMABAD: A Senate subcommittee has raised serious concerns over theft, weak security, staff shortages and encroachments at Pakistan Steel Mills, directing the management to submit its latest audit report within a week and strengthen security at the state-owned industrial facility.

The Sub Committee of the Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production met under the convenorship of Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan to review theft cases, security arrangements and administrative issues at Pakistan Steel Mills.

Senator Khalida Ateeb, Senator Danesh Kumar and senior officials from the Ministry of Industries and Production and Pakistan Steel Mills attended the meeting.

The committee expressed concern over the non-submission of the Steel Mills’ audit report for 2025-26 and directed management to provide it within one week.

Members also reviewed the theft of 36 tons of material from the Steel Mills and sought an update on efforts to recover the stolen property. Officials said administrative action had been taken against employees in several theft cases, while criminal proceedings were also being pursued in relevant cases.

The committee was informed that police had submitted a challan in the case involving the theft of 36 tons of material. Officials said recovery had been made in some cases, while efforts to recover other stolen property were continuing through the relevant authorities and courts.

The convenor directed management to take strict action against employees found involved in theft and ensure that such individuals are not permitted to enter the Steel Mills premises.

Security arrangements at the sprawling facility also came under scrutiny. Officials told the committee that Defence Security Force personnel are currently deployed at the site, although the Ministry of Defence has sought their withdrawal.

The Ministry of Industries and Production has taken up the matter with the Defence Division, with a phased withdrawal being considered to allow Pakistan Steel Mills to arrange alternative security arrangements.

Officials said the Steel Mills covers around 1,000 acres, much of which remains unfenced. The committee expressed concern that inadequate fencing could expose machinery and other assets worth billions of rupees to theft and unauthorized access.

The facility is also facing shortages of essential administrative, accounts and security personnel. A recruitment proposal has been submitted to the Finance Division.

The committee directed management to provide a detailed justification for its staffing requirements and asked the Finance Division to send a representative to the next meeting to discuss the recruitment issue.

Members also recommended installing modern surveillance cameras throughout the premises and identifying underground tunnels allegedly providing unauthorized access. Officials were directed to permanently seal such entry points.

The convenor further directed the Federal Investigation Agency to complete its pending inquiry concerning the recovery case involving Pakistan Steel Mills.

The committee also expressed concern over encroachments on Steel Mills land, describing the property as a valuable national asset that requires protection.

Officials said a recent anti-encroachment operation had been halted following resistance. The convenor directed the Deputy Commissioner Malir and Secretary Home Sindh to attend the next meeting and called for effective measures to remove encroachments.

The subcommittee stressed the need for coordinated action by all relevant institutions to improve security, recover stolen material, prevent unauthorized access, protect the Steel Mills’ land and fill essential staff vacancies.