Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has said that efforts to revive Pakistan Steel Mills are making progress as an online meeting is scheduled for next week between Pakistani experts and representatives from Russia, which will be followed by an on-site visit from a Russian delegation to the Steel Mill.
This was discussed during a meeting between CM Murad and Russian Ambassador Albert Khorev, who visited him at the Chief Minister’s House. CM Shah was accompanied by his secretary Raheem Shaikh, while the Russian Ambassador was joined by Russian Consul General Andrey Fedorov, Third Secretary Pavel Iamanov, and Attaché Ekaterina Zhigach.
An official statement issued by the Sindh CM House on Monday said the development marked a significant advancement in the mill’s restoration.
At the start of the meeting, CM Shah emphasised the historical importance of the Pakistan Steel Mills, which was established in Karachi in 1974 with assistance from the Russian government during then prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s tenure. He added: “The Steel Mill was a gift from Prime Minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and has provided employment to people from across Pakistan.” He said that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) has a strong commitment to the mill’s revival.
According to the Russian ambassador, the upcoming online meeting will involve discussions on the technical aspects of the project, including participation from a representative of the Sindh Industries Department.
Following this, the Russian delegation will visit the steel mill for further assessments. Both CM Murad and Ambassador Khorev agreed that a modern plant will be installed to replace the outdated infrastructure, with hopes that this revival will restore employment for its workers.
They also discussed potential investment opportunities in Sindh. The ambassador expressed interest from Russian companies in investing in Karachi’s public transportation, specifically by introducing electric buses. CM Murad instructed Secretary Raheem Shaikh to coordinate with the Transport Department for necessary collaboration on this initiative. the statement added.
It further stated that Ambassador Khorev also expressed a desire to establish Russian cultural centers in various cities within Sindh to promote art, music, and language, thereby strengthening cultural ties between Russia and Pakistan. CM Murad assured him that the Culture Department would coordinate with the Russian Consulate in Karachi.
