A major land scandal has surfaced in the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) as it was revealed that 54 acres of Pakistan Steel Mills’ land were allotted to four individuals.

The matter has now been referred to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), with directives to submit a report within two months.

During a PAC meeting, committee member Senator Afnanullah Khan questioned the identity of the four individuals and their association with the Steel Mills.

Expressing concern over continued land encroachments, he demanded accountability from relevant authorities.

Also, read this

FPSC announces CSS exam 2025 schedule after court ruling

Steel Mills hit by theft worth Rs18 million, Senate committee told

Senate approves salary and perks increase bill amid opposition protest

In response, the CEO of Pakistan Steel Mills stated that a stay order had been obtained as per official records. However, the committee remained unconvinced and referred the case to NAB.

Concerns over budget mismanagement

The PAC session, chaired by Junaid Akbar, also reviewed audit reports of the Ministry of Industries and Production.

Officials disclosed that encroachments in Gulshan-e-Hadeed had resulted in outstanding dues of Rs750 million.

The Secretary of the Ministry revealed that the Sindh Department had initially allotted the land to four individuals — three receiving 16 acres each, and one receiving six acres.

The government has since approached the court over the matter.

Chairman PAC criticised the lack of planning in federal divisions, noting that the Ministry of Industries and Production had sought supplementary grants twice. Officials justified one such grant as essential for Ramadan relief at utility stores.

Concerns over employee downsizing at Utility Stores Corporation were also raised, prompting the PAC to form a subcommittee to review the matter.

The committee debated the extension of the CEO of the Engineering Development Board, who continued in his position post-retirement. Officials argued that company rules permitted this until a new appointment was made, but PAC members demanded legal documentation for verification.

PAC expresses outrage over delayed CSS results

The committee also reprimanded the Federal Public Service Commission (FPSC) for delays in announcing CSS exam results.

FPSC officials explained that the results would be released next month, citing a shortage of commission members as a key reason for the delay.

The PAC directed the Establishment Division to address the issue urgently.

The PAC took serious notice of financial mismanagement at Pakistan Steel Mills. Audit officials reported that the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) owed over Rs2.82 billion to the Steel Mills under the Right of Way agreement.

However, the Ministry of Industries and Production stated that the Steel Mills Board had agreed to reduce the amount.

Chairman PAC questioned this reversal, pointing out that the board had previously decided to recover the full amount but later opted for a reduction.

The committee has now directed authorities to recover outstanding dues from NTDC and other institutions and take action against negligent officials.

The PAC has also sought a comprehensive report within a month on all pending financial matters related to Pakistan Steel Mills.