PSM deficient security raises theft concerns

A parliamentary panel on Monday expressed concerns over the acute shortage of security personnel and persistent incidents of theft at the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) ahead of the scheduled withdrawal of Defence Security Force (DSF) personnel.

The Senate Standing Sub-Committee on Industries and Production was informed that PSM currently had only around 190 security guards, many of whom required professional training.

Moreover, the DSF, which has been assisting in the security arrangements of PSM, is scheduled to withdraw its personnel by September 30.

The PSM management requested the committee to facilitate a phased withdrawal of DSF personnel instead of an immediate withdrawal, enabling the organisation to strengthen its own security arrangements and complete the outsourcing process for additional security requirements.

The sub-committee included Senator Syed Masroor Ahsan, Senator Syeda Khalida Ateeb and Senator Danesh Kumar.

The panel was also informed that approximately 7,000 plots in Gulshan-e-Hadeed Phase-IV were under process for allotment at subsidised market rates.

Senator Danesh Kumar expressed concern over the low conviction rate despite the arrest of hundreds of individuals involved in theft incidents at PSM. He stressed the need for effective investigation and prosecution to ensure that those involved in such criminal activities are brought to justice.

Senator Syeda Khalida Ateeb observed that theft at PSM appeared to be an old and organised issue rather than an isolated activity.

She said that merely apprehending individuals without addressing the underlying network and systemic shortcomings would not resolve the issue.

Recalling a previous incident involving the theft of a gas valve allegedly transported by truck, she expressed concern that no meaningful accountability had been established in the matter.