KARACHI: More than a dozen shops, including businesses of electronic items, eateries and hardware, were burnt in a Malir locality on Tuesday, causing losses of millions of rupees.

Officials said that an early morning call was received at the Malir fire station about the blaze in two shops in the Malir Tanki area — a commercial neighbourhood of the town. Within a few minutes, they said, a fire tender was rushed to the site.

“But the fire was so huge and strong that we called for more tenders,” said chief fire officer Tehseen Siddiqui. “The number of fire tenders and firefighters was enhanced and ultimately the job was done with six tenders and a water bowser. It took almost three hours to complete the operation and the fire, which originated in an electronics shop, engulfed the adjoining shops.”

It’s a commercial area, said the city’s chief fireman, adding that there were dozens of shops in a line along the main road. The fire destroyed some 13 shops — completely or partially. However, he added, the firefighters had saved dozens of shops.

“Otherwise the speed and strength of the blaze was of the level that it could hit a number of other shops,” said the fire officer. “The exact cause of the fire is not known yet. We can’t blame it on short-circuit because it was an early morning incident and all shops were closed. We are gathering evidence for our final report.”

13 suspects held

The Pakistan Rangers on Tuesday claimed to have arrested some 13 suspect wanted in different cases, including armed robberies, street crimes and murders. They said the suspects were arrested in Landhi, Gulshan-i-Iqbal and Lyari.

In a statement they urged the people of Karachi and other parts of the province to come forward for their due contribution and contact the Rangers helpline 1101, or WhatsApp number 0347-9001111, to share tip-offs about any criminal and suspicious activities in their locality.

Published in Dawn, February 5th, 2020