ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – A major copper theft scandal has come to light at Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), as officials admitted that large-scale stealing has been going on for quite some time.
During a meeting of the Senate Subcommittee on Industries and Production, chaired by Senator Khalida Ateeb, authorities revealed that 40 FIRs have been registered and 280 suspects arrested so far.
To put an end to the ongoing thefts, the management has decided to auction the remaining copper stock.
The chairperson expressed concern over the plight of 45 PSM employees who have not received their salaries for the last nine months.
Officials explained that the salaries of those who rented out government residences to private individuals were withheld, and they had already been informed of the decision.
Senator Waqar Mehdi raised another issue, stating that employees are being overcharged up to 500 times on electricity bills, paying Rs35,000 instead of Rs10,000.
Officials clarified that these additional charges apply to outsiders who fail to pay their dues.
They further disclosed that PSM faces a monthly shortfall of Rs25 million in power bills, while K-Electric has sent an outstanding bill of Rs800 million.
Officials admitted that most of the thefts involve copper, which has become a “gold mine” for criminals. They said that by auctioning the copper, they aim to nip the problem in the bud and prevent future losses.