Johnson & Johnson announces $5.5-billion settlement of talc lawsuits

The federal government has revived plans to restore Pakistan Steel Mills (PSM), signaling a major policy shift after previously deciding to wind up the loss-making state-owned enterprise. The development follows renewed interest from international parties in bringing the dormant steel producer back into operation, with Russian company Industrial Engineering LLC emerging as a key potential partner for the revival, modernisation and restructuring of the mill. Well-informed sources said the government has initiated consultations with the Russian firm to assess the technical, financial and operational requirements for restoring PSM’s production capacity. Two protocols have already been signed between Industrial Engineering LLC and Pakistan Steel Mills under the Ministry of Industries and Production. The first agreement was signed in Moscow on July 10, 2025, and provides a framework for cooperation on the revival, modernisation and restructuring of PSM. The second protocol was signed on November 26, 2025, during the 10th session of the Pakistan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission. The second agreement focuses on assessing the operational and capital expenditure required to restart manufacturing activities at the steel mill. Feasibility assessment under way According to sources, the authorities have also carried out an exercise to calculate production costs and evaluate the commercial viability of restarting PSM. The assessment is expected to help determine whether the mill can operate sustainably and compete in the domestic and international steel markets after years of inactivity. The findings will form the basis for recommendations to the government before a final decision is taken on the future structure and operations of the enterprise. Sources said the relevant authority would submit recommendations to the Cabinet Committee on State-Owned Enterprises (CCoSOEs), seeking an end to the liquidation process and approval to pursue the revival option with the participation of international investors. The move represents a reversal of the government’s earlier policy. Government had approved liquidation In May 2024, the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) had decided to scrap Pakistan Steel Mills after efforts to find a buyer failed to produce a viable offer. The Cabinet Committee on Rightsizing subsequently approved the liquidation of the existing mill in August 2024. However, the government has now shifted its focus towards rehabilitation, apparently encouraged by renewed international interest and the possibility of securing foreign technical and financial support. A formal summary regarding the proposed policy shift has been submitted to the Ministry of Industries and Production for consideration, sources said. A parliamentary secretary also indicated that the government’s policy direction had changed and that efforts were now being made to restore PSM to operational status. He said the timeline agreed upon with the Russian company would be followed, with the relevant departments expected to take further steps after completion of the ongoing assessments. Power minister signals renewed revival efforts Separately, Minister for Power Sardar Awais Leghari said recommendations for reviving Pakistan’s dormant steel giant would soon be presented to policymakers, reinforcing indications that the government is seriously reconsidering the future of PSM. Speaking at a webinar titled “Pakistan-Russia: Strengthening Trade, Education and Energy Collaboration,” jointly organised by the University of World Civilizations Moscow (UWCM) and the Institute of Regional Studies (IRS), Leghari highlighted the growing momentum in Pakistan-Russia relations. He said bilateral ties had strengthened over the past two decades on the basis of mutual trust, respect and a shared interest in regional stability. The minister’s remarks come as Pakistan explores greater Russian involvement in key economic and industrial sectors, including the possible rehabilitation of PSM. Financial burden remains a challenge Pakistan Steel Mills has remained largely dormant for years, creating a continuing financial burden for the government. Following the earlier decision to wind up the enterprise, the government has continued to bear the salaries and other expenses of its remaining employees. Meanwhile, some of the mill’s liabilities and operating costs have been met through proceeds generated from the sale of scrap. The proposed revival could therefore provide an opportunity to turn the idle industrial asset into a productive enterprise while reducing the recurring financial burden on the national exchequer. However, the government is expected to carefully evaluate the mill’s outstanding liabilities, infrastructure requirements, production costs, technology needs and long-term market prospects before committing substantial public resources. If the revival plan moves forward with foreign participation, the project could also open the door to new investment, technology transfer and employment opportunities in Pakistan’s steel and related industrial sectors.