KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced progress in efforts to revive the Pakistan Steel Mill, with an online meeting set for next week between Pakistani experts and Russian representatives. This meeting will be followed by a visit from a Russian delegation to the Steel Mill, marking an important step in the mill’s restoration.
According to Chief Minister Sindh, this development was discussed during a meeting between CM Shah and Russian Ambassador Albert Khorev at the Chief Minister’s House. Accompanying CM Shah was his Secretary, Raheem Shaikh, while the Russian delegation included Consul General Andrey Fedorov, Third Secretary Pavel Iamanov, and Attaché Ekaterina Zhigach. The historical significance of the Pakistan Steel Mill, established in Karachi in 1974 with Russian assistance during Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s government, was emphasized by CM Shah.
The Russian Ambassador stated that the upcoming online meeting would address the technical aspects of the project, involving participation from a representative of the Sindh Industries Department. Following these discussions, the Russian delegation plans to visit the Steel Mill for further evaluation. Both CM Shah and Ambassador Khorev agreed on the need for a modern plant to replace outdated infrastructure, with hopes that the revival will provide jobs for former workers.
Additionally, CM Shah and Ambassador Khorev explored investment opportunities in Sindh, with the ambassador expressing interest from Russian companies in Karachi’s public transportation sector by introducing electric buses. CM Shah tasked Secretary Raheem Shaikh with coordinating with the Transport Department to facilitate collaboration on this venture.
Ambassador Khorev also expressed interest in establishing Russian cultural centers in various cities across Sindh to promote art, music, and language, thereby enhancing cultural ties between Russia and Pakistan. CM Shah assured the ambassador that the Culture Department would work with the Russian Consulate in Karachi on this initiative.