Murad discusses possible revival of PSM with Russian ambassador

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah on Monday discussed possible revival of the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) with Russian Ambassador Albert Khorev.

The CM reportedly said during the meeting that efforts to revive the PSM were under way as an online meeting was scheduled next week between Pakistani experts and representatives from Russia, which would be followed by an on-site visit of a Russian delegation to the PSM.

The meeting was held at the CM House in which Shah was accompanied by his secretary Raheem Shaikh and the Russian ambassador was joined by Russian Consul General Andrey Fedorov, Third Secretary Pavel Iamanov and Attaché Ekaterina Zhigach.

At the start of the meeting, the CM spoke on the historical importance of the PSM, which was established in Karachi in 1974 with assistance from the Russian government during Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s tenure.

He said the PSM was a gift from Bhutto to the Pakistani people and it had provided employment to people from across Pakistan. The Pakistan Peoples Party was committed to the mill's revival, the CM remarked.

The Russian ambassador said the upcoming online meeting would involve discussions on the technical aspects of the project, including participation from a representative of the Sindh industries department.

Following this, a Russian delegation would visit the mill for further assessment. Both the CM and Russian ambassador agreed that a modern plant would be installed to replace the outdated infrastructure, with hopes that this revival would restore employment of the PSM workers.

The Russian ambassador also expressed his desire to establish Russian cultural centres in various cities in Sindh to promote Russian art, music and language, thereby strengthening cultural ties between Russia and Pakistan.