ISLAMABAD: The Ministry of Industries and Production on Monday informed the National Assembly that the government has earmarked 700 acres of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) land for its revival or the establishment of a new steel mill.
In a written reply to a question raised by Shagufta Jumani during the Question Hour, the ministry detailed the measures taken for the mill’s rehabilitation. It stated that the PSM began suffering losses in 2008–09 due to the global recession and other factors, sustaining a record loss of Rs26.45 billion that year. Between 2008–09 and 2014–15, the mill received around Rs59 billion in bailout packages, but operations could not be revived, leading to its closure in 2015. Since June 2024, operational losses have been reduced through measures such as stopping gas supply from SSGC to maintain coke oven batteries, downsizing staff, and terminating bulk electricity and water supply systems.
The electric supply for Gulshan-e-Hadeed housing society has been handed over to K-Electric, while the bulk water supply system is being transferred to the Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC). Similarly, the operation of the 100-bed PSM hospital and the Special Children School is being transferred to the Sindh government, while other educational institutions are being handed over to the NJV School Management Board under the Akhuwat Foundation through a competitive process.
The ministry clarified that there is no major issue with electricity supply to Steel Town. Recent faults caused by heavy rainfall in Karachi have been rectified, and water pumping at the bulk water supply station resumed on September 28, 2025. However, the PSM remains unable to supply water to Gulshan-e-Hadeed due to high operational costs and outstanding dues amounting to Rs787 million. An MoU has been prepared to transfer water supply operations to KW&SC which will take over after approval by the Sindh government. Regarding gas supply, the ministry said the matter falls under the SSGC’s jurisdiction.
During the Question Hour, Speaker Ayaz Sadiq referred a question about missing Umrah and Ziyarat pilgrims to the relevant standing committee for further examination. Parliamentary Secretary Shamsher Ali Mazari, responding to a query by MNA Naeema Kishwar Khan, clarified that his ministry does not maintain data on such pilgrims, as it falls under immigration authorities. The speaker suggested holding a joint meeting to address the matter, which Mazari supported.
In response to another question, Minister for National Food Security and Research Rana Tanveer Hussain informed the House that the government is coordinating with provinces to ensure implementation of the Rabi 2025–26 sowing plan to maintain food security. He added that the federal government is ready to provide one million tons of wheat to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Parliamentary Secretary for Health Nelson Azeem informed the House that outsourcing of non-functional health facilities in Islamabad, including the Regional Blood Centre, has begun, while blood centres at PIMS and Poly Clinic hospitals are fully functional.
