THE recent ‘serious talks’ taking place between Pakistan and Russia regarding the potential revival of Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM) have sparked renewed discussions about the fate of the long-dormant industrial giant. However, for those with firsthand experience of the mill’s protracted stagnation, the focus inevitably shifts to the years of apparent inaction that led to this point.

A key point of contention even today remains the state of the existing machinery at PSM. Nobody knows what the machinery condition is, whether or not it can be put to use again. This uncertainty is under-scored by reports that technical experts are assessing the usability of the equip-ment, with the government indicating that Russian cooperation in restoring PSM would hinge on at least 50 per cent of the machinery being viable.

While the prospect of Russian part-nership offers a glimmer of hope for the PSM, the shadow of past inaction and the unknown condition of the existing infrastructure serve as stark reminders of the importance of timely and accountable governance in managing national assets. The nation now waits to see if this new chapter, built upon a historical foundation, can finally bring the PSM back to life.

Zahid Maqsood Sheikh
Lahore

Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2025