Karachi, Pakistan – A massive fire engulfed a chemical factory in the SITE Area of Karachi, leaving authorities scrambling to contain the situation. According to the Fire Brigade, two fire trucks are on the scene, battling to put out the blaze at the factory located near the Volkha Chowrangi intersection.
The Fire Brigade officials confirmed that the factory is a chemical plant and that no one was present inside when the fire broke out. However, the presence of large quantities of chemicals and a nearby petrol pump has raised concerns that the fire could spread.
“The fire is currently at the third level of intensity,” said a spokesperson for the DC Karachi. “We are trying to prevent the fire from spreading and have already used foam to contain it. We are working to put out the fire as quickly as possible.”
The authorities have warned people to stay away from the area and have called in additional police and ranger personnel to assist with the rescue efforts. The factory’s fire safety system is reportedly non-functional.
Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has ordered an investigation into the incident and has directed the Karachi Commissioner to look into the matter.
In other news, the government of Sindh has signed an agreement with the US Department of Agriculture to provide free meals and rations to over 200,000 students in 1,300 government primary schools across the province. The program, which is part of the McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program, will receive a financial aid of $80 million from the US government.
The Lahore High Court has also ordered the return of a guarantee amount deposited by Maryam Nawaz in Chaudhry Sugar Mills. PTI Chairman Imran Khan has expressed regret over not meeting with PTI Chairperson Shahbaz Gill.
Sindh Education Minister has taken a strong action against the sale of illegal liquor in schools in Karachi. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has also issued a statement on the possible weather situation in the country during Ramadan.
The moon-sighting ceremony for Ramadan is scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia, while the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) leadership has been made aware of Imran Khan’s eye problem since February 9. A report detailing the facilities available at Adiala Jail has been submitted to the Supreme Court.
Lastly, a woman’s death in a traffic jam caused by road closures in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been attributed to the PTI leadership’s negligence. The Peshawar High Court has ordered the Inspector General of Police and the Chief Secretary of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to open the roads immediately.
