KARACHI: A man died and two others sustained injuries in a cylinder blast inside a scrap shop in Shershah on Tuesday, police and rescue workers said.

The blast also caused substantial damage to the property and triggered panic in the bustling commercial area.

According to Pak Colony police officials, the gas cylinder exploded inside the scrap shop which also served as a warehouse for other commercial goods.

“The shop named Al-Tawakkal Godown has a few workers,” said an official. “They all were busy in their regular work when the gas cylinder inside the facility [exploded]. It left three workers badly injured who were taken to the Civil Hospital where one of them passed away.”

The deceased was identified as 45-year-old Ejaz Bhutto. One of the injured remained unidentified as the other was identified as Asif Ali.

“We have sealed the shop and collected evidence but apparently it seems [to be] an incident which is either caused by the carelessness or improper handling of the cylinder. The statements of the people concerned are also being recorded,” he added.

Journalists meet police officials

The city police authorities on Tuesday assured the media fraternity of all due cooperation in discharging their professional duties amid recent Covid-19 related restrictions.

They also assured the journalists of inquiries and action on recent complaints of the media fraternity in which a few of its members were stopped, harassed and even detained by police in different areas while the journalists were performing their professional duties.

In a meeting with a delegation of the Crime Reporters Association (CRA) at the Karachi police headquarters, the police high-ups agreed with the concerns of the media fraternity after recent incidents.

The delegation shared details of different incidents with the police authorities.

The two sides agreed on mutual respect and cooperation for the execution of each other’s professional duties.

Rangers review Covid-19 measures

The Pakistan Rangers, Sindh on Tuesday reviewed the implementation of the measures decided by the Sindh government to contain spread of coronavirus, ongoing development projects and anti-encroachment operation being carried out by the civic administration.

“The director general of Pakistan Rangers, Sindh Major General Iftikhar Hasan Chaudhry chaired the meeting which was held at the Rangers Headquarters to review the agenda,” said a statement.

“The meeting was attended by the Karachi commissioner and deputy commissioners of East, West, South, Central, Keamari, Malir and Korangi districts. The meeting discussed all those measures which can help ensure implementation of the measures decided recently to contain the spread of Covid-19. The Rangers DG thanked the Karachi commissioner and vowed that the paramilitary force would extend all possible help for betterment of Karachiites.”

Published in Dawn, May 26th, 2021