Karachi, a city of over 14 million people, is facing a severe gas shortage during the harsh winter season. The shortage has led to a decline in gas supply from two fields, with Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) reporting a 45 MMCFD decrease in gas availability. According to SSGC spokesperson, the gas supply situation is expected to return to normal in a short period.
However, residents in various areas of Karachi, including Gulshan-e-Iqbal’s blocks 8, 18, and 19, are facing a complete gas supply cutoff. Similarly, Defence Phase 2 Extension and nearby areas have been without gas supply for several hours. Residents claim that the gas pressure in the Nagan Chowrangi area has been extremely low for the past three days.
Besides, gas supply has also been disrupted in KDA Scheme 7, Bhatiari Goth, and Ghalistan-e-Johar. The police report that a sudden fire broke out in a house where the owner was cooking on a gas stove.
In a separate incident, a car caught fire on Shaheed-e-Millat Road near the Baloch Bridge in Karachi, with fire brigade officials arriving at the scene. The fire was reportedly caused by a short circuit.
Pakistani authorities are taking steps to address the situation. The government has assured that the gas supply situation will normalize soon. In the meantime, industries will be shut down on Sundays to conserve gas.
The news comes as a relief to many Karachi residents who have been facing difficulties due to the gas shortage. With temperatures plummeting, the city is in dire need of a stable gas supply to keep homes warm and businesses operational.
In related news, former Prime Minister Raja Pervez Ashraf expressed concern over the situation, stating that the government must investigate the causes behind the gas shortage.
Meanwhile, the Sindh Professors and Lecturers Association has announced a boycott of teaching activities, protests, and a dharna at the Baloach House in protest of the government’s failure to address their demands.
The situation has sparked a heated debate, with many calling for a separate ministry for education to address the issues plaguing the higher education sector.
In other news, the Chief of Defence Staff and Army Chief, General Syed Asim Munir, met with the Indonesian Defence Minister to discuss defence cooperation and regional security.
The Indian media reported that a senior official from the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mullah Noor Ahmad Noor, visited Delhi recently. However, further details are not available.
Cricket Australia announced that Australian cricketer, Alyssa Healy, will retire from all formats after the upcoming series against India.
The United Nations permanent representative, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, stated that durable peace in Ukraine can only be achieved through dialogue and compromise.
Finally, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei praised the government’s handling of protests, stating that the Iranian people are strong, powerful, and well-informed.
