September 19, 2006	Tuesday	Sha'aban 25, 1427

KARACHI, Sept 18: The newly-elected chairman of Pakistan Ship Breakers Association Azam Malik has said that in Central Asian states of old Soviet era oil and water pipelines are being replaced. The old and rusted pipelines are cut in pieces and exported in a junk form to Pakistan from Afghanistan through Chaman and Taftan borders.

This junk is sold at a low price in the local market. In their greed for higher profits, the local re-rolling mills are utilizing this cheaper and sub-standard steel junk in making iron bars.

He said it was feared that this low quality junk bars might be used in construction of high-rise buildings and commercial projects in the country.

“God knows, how many more Margalla Towers like tragedies are in stores for us,” Mr Azam said adding that action against the unscrupulous businessmen, who are playing with the public safety, should be taken.

The arrival of steel junk from the Central Asia has adversely affected the ship breaking industry as reflected in decline of revenue for the government, he added.