Pakistan Steel Mills—a once-thriving industrial giant now left vulnerable to brazen criminal activity
Since the dismissal of 5,000 employees in 2020 and another 1,300 earlier this year, the mill has become a ghost of its former self, making it an easy target for criminals
I write with deep concern about the alarming thefts plaguing Pakistan Steel Mills—a once-thriving industrial giant now left vulnerable to brazen criminal activity. For years, thieves have stripped the mill of iron, copper, and other valuable materials worth billions, yet no lasting solution has been put in place.
Recently, however, there was a glimmer of hope. Thanks to the courageous efforts of GM Security Dawood Kayani and his Anti-Theft Security Squad—including Kashif Ghafoor (In-charge), Muhammad Nawaz, Imtiaz Abbasi, Muhammad Sabir, and others—a major theft was thwarted. In a tense two-hour gunfight, the security team stood their ground, forcing the thieves to flee and abandoning stolen goods worth crores, along with a car and four motorcycles.
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This bravery deserves recognition. Steel mill’s employees have praised the squad’s dedication, and Mr. Kayani himself highlighted the challenges they face—vast, unprotected premises and a severe shortage of security personnel. Despite these hurdles, his team works tirelessly to safeguard what remains of this national asset.
Read: The Saga of Pakistan Steel Mills
Yet, the bigger picture remains grim. Since the dismissal of 5,000 employees in 2020 and another 1,300 earlier this year, the mill has become a ghost of its former self, making it an easy target for criminals.
How much longer can we allow this to continue? Our national wealth is being looted in broad daylight, and without urgent intervention, these losses will only deepen. I implore the government and concerned authorities to act decisively—before it’s too late.
Sincerely,
Habib Ur Rahman
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
