Senate sub-committee raises alarm over security crisis, theft and Rs. 181 million issues at Pakistan steel mills

The Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production’s Sub-Committee has expressed serious concern over

KARACHI: The Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production’s Sub-Committee has expressed serious concern over the deteriorating security situation, financial challenges, theft incidents and administrative issues at Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) during its visit to the mill’s premises in Karachi.

The sub-committee reviewed a range of issues affecting the functioning and management of PSM, including the shortage of security personnel, repeated theft incidents, encroachments on the mill’s land, outstanding dues of employees and other financial and administrative matters.

The meeting was attended by Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, Senator Syeda Khalida Ateeb and Senator Danish Kumar, who examined the challenges being faced by the management and sought details regarding security arrangements and measures being taken to protect the mill’s assetSecurity Shortage and DSF Withdrawal

PSM officials briefed the committee that the mill is currently facing a serious shortage of security personnel. According to officials, only around 190 security guards are presently available to protect the vast premises, while a significant number of these guards also require professional training to effectively perform their duties.

The officials further informed the committee that personnel of the Defence Security Force (DSF), which has been providing assistance to PSM’s security arrangements, are scheduled to withdraw from the mill by September 30, 2026

The PSM administration expressed concern over the impact of an immediate withdrawal and requested that the process be carried out in phases. According to the management, a phased withdrawal would provide sufficient time to strengthen the mill’s internal security system and make arrangements for additional security services through outsourcing.

Committee Raises Concerns Over Theft

The issue of theft at PSM also came under detailed discussion during the meeting. The committee was informed about continued incidents of theft, manpower shortages and difficulties in safeguarding the mill’s property.

Senator Danish Kumar expressed concern over the low conviction rate in theft-related cases despite hundreds of arrests. He stressed the need for proper investigations and effective legal proceedings to ensure that those responsible for theft are brought to justice.

Senator Syeda Khalida Ateeb described the theft problem as “chronic and organized”, suggesting that the repeated incidents appeared to involve a coordinated network rather than isolated individuals.

“Arresting a few people and making them scapegoats will not solve the problem. The network behind it must be addressed,” she said.

The committee emphasized that simply making arrests would not be sufficient unless investigations identified the individuals and networks operating behind the theft activities.

Other Issues Discussed

The sub-committee was also briefed on the allotment of approximately 7,000 plots in Gulshan-e-Hadeed Phase-IV. Officials informed the members that the plots are currently being allotted at concessionary market rates.

The committee also reviewed matters relating to employee dues, land encroachments, recoveries and the overall financial position of PSM.

At the conclusion of the visit, the sub-committee directed the PSM management to prepare and submit comprehensive plan covering security arrangements, recovery of assets and anti-theft measures before its next meeting.

The committee stressed the need for immediate and practical steps to strengthen security, prevent further losses and improve administrative oversight at Pakistan Steel Mills.