Federal Minister Rana Tanveer proposes re-designating the land for ‘Industrial Use’
Amid ongoing uncertainty over how to revive Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), Islamabad and the Sindh government are making use of the mill’s abandoned land. Both parties have reportedly agreed to establish an industrial park on 3,200 acres of PSM’s land.
The decision was discussed during a meeting between Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Federal Minister for National Food Security & Research (NFSR) and Industries & Production, Rana Tanveer. The meeting, held at the New Sindh Secretariat, addressed several key initiatives, including the proposed industrial park on PSM land.
While the revival of the steel mill and the creation of a National Food Safety, Animal, and Plant Health Regulatory Authority were also discussed, the primary focus was on the establishment of the industrial park. Other attendees included Sindh’s Provincial Minister for Industries Jam Ikram Dharejo, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, PSCM Agha Wasif, and SMBR Baqaullah Unar, along with federal officials such as Secretary NFSR Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry, DG Waqas Alam, and CEO PIDC Rizwan Bhatti.
Reports indicate that the discussions centered on transforming 3,200 acres of land, currently under Pakistan Steel Mills Limited (PSML), into an industrial zone. Federal Minister Rana Tanveer proposed re-designating the land for “Industrial Use,” and it was agreed that the federal ministry would formally request this change, allowing the Sindh government to move forward with the necessary documentation.
The chief minister pointed out that 1,675 acres allocated to PSML in 1974-75 for the steel project still lacked formal title transfer. He assured the federal minister that the issue would be resolved. Additionally, Murad Ali Shah emphasized the importance of preserving 700 acres of land, either for reviving the existing steel mill or for constructing a new facility. Tanveer shared that a Russian team had already inspected the current plant and would submit a proposal for a new plant installation in February.
Regarding the National Food Safety, Animal, and Plant Health Regulatory Authority, the federal minister outlined its purpose: to implement quarantine and inspection controls for imports and exports of animals, plants, agricultural products, food, and feed. The chief minister suggested broader consultations with provincial departments, including Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Food Authorities, and advocated for stronger provincial representation in the authority.
The meeting concluded with commitments to enhance coordination between the federal and provincial governments, ensuring timely progress on both the industrial park and steel mill projects. The federal ministry will also seek input from Sindh’s Agriculture and Livestock Department regarding the proposed National Food Safety, Animal, and Plant Health Regulatory Authority.
KARACHI: ER MONITORING DESK
