ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday directed authorities concerned to expedite the efforts for revival of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM).

Chairing a meeting to discuss the situation of country’s biggest steel mill, the prime minister said, “Saving and restoring PSM is the top most priority of the government.”

PM Khan was briefed about the current status of the steel mills, including its losses. He was apprised that till 2008 PSM was a profit earning organisation but it started facing losses since 2009 and was closed down in 2015.

“Devastation of a profit earning organisation is a clear example of maladministration and negligence of the previous government,” the premier said.

The PM noted that the government was bearing an expenditure of Rs370 million every month in terms of salaries of PSM employees.

The meeting was informed that total losses of steel mill have gone up to Rs217 billion.

Flood plan for Karachi: The prime minister on Monday approved a plan aimed at protecting Karachi and other cities in Sindh from flooding and devastation from sea water, a press release issued by the Prime Minister’s Office said.

The plan was approved in a meeting with Federal Minister for Water Resources Faisal Vawda. Chairman Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda) Lt General (retd) Muzammil Hussain gave a detailed briefing to the prime minister.

The meeting was informed that sea water was creating multiple problems and devastation when water level of Indus dried below Kotri Barrage. The plan aims at protecting the area from sea water intrusion and flooding during rainy season.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2019