ISLAMABAD: The PPP has alleged that the federal government appears to have decided to bring the Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) to a standstill in an effort to privatise it at a throwaway price by the end of this year.

Expressing concern over a unilateral announcement by the Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) that supply of natural gas to the PSM would be stopped on Tuesday, PPP vice president Sherry Rehman said on Sunday the PML-N government had already given an assurance to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that the mills would be privatised.

“If due transparency with diligence is not adopted then it will be said that the federal government has decided to bring the PSM to a standstill so that its key allies may avail a chance to buy this strategic national asset at throwaway prices,” the senator said.

“I believe that the IMF has already been given assurances for this privatisation by December, which suggests that the SSGC’s move is a planned directive from the federal government.”

A statement issued by Ms Rehman said the PSM was already suffering from a “stagnated” production process due to low gas pressures and its production capacity would now be destroyed, setting it back three to four years.

“This one-sided and highhanded behaviour of the SSGC towards the PSM clearly reflects the federal government’s myopia and disregard for democratic norms and consultations. Cutting off gas supply to the PSM without any plan or public conversation about how to rationalise resources only demonstrates an attitude that ignores the problems faced by the labour as the mill employs more than 16,000 people,” the statement said.

The PPP senator said there were also millions whose livelihood was linked indirectly to the PSM. “The issue should have been discussed transparently and constructively with at least the stakeholders. Now it will have to go to the Council of Common Interests (CCI),” she said, hinting that the Sindh government might take up the issue at the constitutional forum.

“Any attempt aimed at its unilateral and overnight dismantling will have to be taken to all constitutional forums, because this is not just a mammoth construction or real estate complex, it is the bread and butter for more than 16,000 families and a source of inspiration and unity for thousands of Pakistanis who came to Karachi to earn their livelihood from all around the country,” she said.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah also expressed deep concern over the planned discontinuation of gas supply to the PSM and instructed the SSGC managing director to ensure an uninterrupted supply to the mills.

He recalled that low gas pressure at the PSM since June 10 had already caused a loss of about Rs3 billion to its management.

PPP leaders allege that the federal government is purposefully ignoring the needs of the PSM, which continues to suffer from retrenched water supply, disrupted electricity supply with suspension for prolonged periods and low gas supply.

Published in Dawn, July 27th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play