AS Pakistan Steel is enhancing its production graph, it also requires iron ore which is being imported. On the other hand, there are plenty of reserves in Kalabagh in Punjab and in Naukandi in Balochistan.

Both provinces must supply iron ore to Pakistan Steel so that expenses on import can be curtailed. There is a need for the categorisation of iron ores in these two provinces after their analysis and comparison with imported iron ore.

I request the federal minister of industries and production to maintain liaison with mineral ministers of Balochistan and Punjab so that an excavation permit can be granted to the Pakistan Steel.

In case of lack of technology, foreign investors can also be issued permits for this purpose. The survival of Pakistan Steel is dependent on boosting steel production which can only be possible if cheap and bulk iron ore is provided locally.

R. Riaz

Wah Cantt

Published in Dawn, October 23rd, 2014