Murad Ali Shah, Rana Tanveer Discuss Industrial Park, Steel Mill Revival, and Food Safety Authority
KARACHI Web Desk : Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah met with Federal Minister for National Food Security and Research (NFSR) Rana Tanveer at the New Sindh Secretariat to deliberate on pivotal projects. The agenda included establishing an industrial park on surplus land from the Pakistan Steel Mill, reviving the mill itself, and creating a National Food Safety, Animal, and Plant Health Regulatory Authority.
Key Participants
The meeting brought together provincial leaders like Industries Minister Jam Ikram Dharejo, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah, and others, alongside federal representatives, including NFSR Secretary Waseem Ajmal Chaudhry and CEO PIDC Rizwan Bhatti.
Industrial Park Initiative
The leaders discussed converting 3,200 acres of Pakistan Steel Mill land into an industrial park. Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah noted the land is already registered under Pakistan Steel Mills Limited (PSML). Federal Minister Rana Tanveer assured cooperation in changing the land’s designation to “industrial use” and pledged to facilitate necessary documentation.
Another point of discussion was resolving land title issues. Out of 1,675 acres allotted to PSML in the 1970s, ownership has not yet been officially transferred. The Chief Minister promised swift action on this front. He also stressed the importance of reserving 700 acres for either revitalizing the existing steel mill or establishing a new facility.
Rana Tanveer shared that a Russian delegation recently inspected the current steel mill and will propose a plan for a new plant in February. Shah emphasized Sindh’s involvement in decisions regarding the steel mill’s future, a sentiment supported by the federal minister.
Food Safety and Regulatory Authority
The federal government is working on forming the National Food Safety, Animal, and Plant Health Regulatory Authority to manage inspection and quarantine controls for imports and exports of agricultural products, animals, and plants. The authority will ensure compliance with international sanitary standards and collaborate with provinces to boost exports.
Murad Ali Shah urged broader consultations with provincial stakeholders, including agriculture, livestock, and food departments, before implementing the Act. He also called for greater provincial representation in the proposed authority.
Commitment to Collaboration
The meeting concluded with a mutual resolve to enhance coordination and ensure timely progress on the industrial park and steel mill revival. Both leaders agreed to involve provincial departments actively in the formulation of the food safety authority, aiming for effective and inclusive implementation.