A major Pakistan Steel theft scandal has surfaced at Pakistan Steel Mills in Karachi, triggering a formal investigation by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). Officials say machinery, cables, and scrap worth billions of rupees were allegedly stolen over a long period in a highly organized operation.
The case has raised serious concerns over internal security, possible staff involvement, and weak monitoring systems at one of the country’s largest industrial units.
According to initial findings, the FIA launched the investigation after receiving a complaint from the Ministry of Industries and Production. Authorities believe that valuable government-owned material was removed from the facility without proper authorization or gate passes.
Organized network under investigation
Investigators revealed that the theft was not a simple or isolated incident. Instead, it appears to be part of a coordinated network involving employees, security staff, and scrap dealers.
A key breakthrough came when authorities intercepted a 22-wheeler trailer loaded with approximately 36 tons of stolen material. Officials say this recovery exposed the scale of the ongoing Pakistan Steel theft operation.
Following the recovery, the FIA widened its investigation and began identifying individuals allegedly involved in the illegal removal and sale of industrial equipment.
Preliminary reports suggest that iron, copper, electrical cables, and other valuable components were systematically taken out of the mills over time. Officials suspect that these materials were later sold in the scrap market through illegal channels.
Alleged cover-up attempts under scrutiny
The investigation has also uncovered attempts to weaken legal action against suspects. According to officials, there were efforts to downgrade several theft cases into “C Class” reports.
This classification reportedly reduces the chances of serious prosecution, raising concerns about a possible cover-up.
Data shared by investigators shows that more than 100 theft-related cases were registered at Port Qasim Police Station. Out of these, a significant number were allegedly downgraded, which is now part of the FIA’s expanded inquiry.
Authorities say they are also examining whether police personnel or other officials played any role in facilitating the theft network.
Past allegations and growing concerns
This is not the first time Pakistan Steel Mills has faced such allegations. Earlier reports and union claims suggested that stolen goods were transported and sold with possible insider support.
Workers’ representatives have previously accused certain individuals of collusion with scrap dealers, claiming that valuable materials were regularly disappearing from the facility.
Some social media videos circulating in the past also showed suspicious movement of goods, further fueling concerns about internal accountability.
Officials now believe that the long-dormant industrial unit has become an easy target for organized groups exploiting weak oversight.
FIA expands investigation
The FIA has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected. Officials are currently identifying key suspects and tracing the financial and logistical networks behind the operation.
Authorities have also begun reviewing internal records, security logs, and transportation data to determine how the materials were removed without detection for such a long period.
The agency says the case will be pursued “to its logical conclusion” and strict action will be taken against anyone found involved, regardless of their position.
For now, the Pakistan Steel theft scandal raises serious concerns about governance, security, and accountability.
