A meeting of the Senate Standing Committee on Industries and Production was held under the chairmanship of Senator Khalida Ateeb in Islamabad today. The committee members engaged in discussions regarding the progress made in the maintenance of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) and the alarming issue of theft involving the company’s assets, allegedly valued at billions of rupees.
Stolen Gas Valve and Dismissal of Officer Spark Controversy
During the meeting, Senator Fida Muhammad brought attention to the theft of a gas valve worth millions of rupees from PSM. Chairperson Khalida Ateeb highlighted that an officer involved in the theft of goods worth Rs. 10 billion had been dismissed by Pakistan Steel Mills. Expressing her opinion, she suggested that the individual be reinstated and questioned the whereabouts of the stolen goods.
Briefing on Theft Case and Payment of Pending Dues
PSM officials provided a briefing to the committee, revealing that the case related to the theft is currently under investigation by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). They clarified that Engineer Abdur Rehman Warraich was held responsible for the stolen equipment, which was valued at Rs. 4.7 million. Following an inquiry, the steel mills authorities found him guilty of theft and misconduct.
The committee also received a briefing on the status of pending dues payments to PSM employees. The Additional Secretary Industries informed the members that outstanding dues amounting to Rs. 12 billion had been fully paid to 4,734 out of a total of 5,282 PSM employees. However, payments totaling Rs. 1.66 billion to 1,591 individuals are still pending, with 42 employees resorting to legal action.
