A fire erupted on Monday at a factory located in Karachi’s Landhi Export Processing Zone, prompting a large-scale response from KMC Fire and Rescue, Rescue 1122, and Sindh Rangers personnel. Fortunately, all workers were evacuated safely before the fire could spread, and no casualties have been reported to date. Fire brigade officials have declared the building unsafe as the blaze continues to burn inside.
The fire initially ignited on the ground floor of the factory, which is a ground-plus-two-storey structure, before advancing to the upper levels. The facility stored a significant quantity of old clothes, contributing to thick smoke that severely hampered firefighting efforts. Due to the intensity of the smoke, crews have been combating the fire from outside the premises.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Malir confirmed that the main challenge remains the firefighting operation itself. A substantial police presence has been deployed to secure the area, while Rangers personnel are supporting rescue and firefighting teams and managing traffic around the site.
In a significant development, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took immediate notice of the incident. He instructed authorities to deploy all available resources to control the fire and safeguard everyone involved. Additional fire tenders and rescue equipment were ordered to be dispatched to the location, with fire and rescue teams urged to intensify their efforts.
Murad Ali Shah also directed the police to maintain security and manage traffic during the ongoing rescue operation. He emphasized that all relevant departments should remain on-site until the situation is fully resolved and requested a detailed report from the Karachi commissioner and local administration.
Meanwhile, access to the Export Processing Zone has been restricted. Security personnel have barred media vehicles and employees from other companies in the area from entering, without providing an immediate explanation for these measures.
The Sindh Rangers spokesperson stated that their personnel arrived promptly due to the severity of the incident and are assisting fire brigade and rescue teams. The spokesperson highlighted that protecting lives and preventing further spread of the fire remain the top priorities.
