KARACHI, Sept 20: Newly-appointed Pakistan Steel Chairman Maj-Gen (retd) Muhammad Javed has called the mills as “one of the most esteemed assets of the country owned by the government, and we are there to safeguard its interests”.

A press release of Pakistan Steel on Wednesday said the new chairman addressed a meeting of the officers and engineers and told them that it was for the government to take appropriate decision on future of Pakistan Steel. Outlining his strategy, he said he would endeavour to reduce dependence on outside resources to solve operational matters of the steel mills.

Muhammad Javed declared that he was not in favour of “unnecessary retrenchment” and promised enhancement in efforts to meet social obligations, such as schools, hospitals, sport facilities, recreational activities and environmental development.