KARACHI: An underground oil pipeline that ruptured in the Defence Housing Authority (DHA) area on Saturday night, spilling oil across the neighbourhood, was repaired by the National Refinery Limited (NRL) on Sunday.

The incident caused a pungent odour in the area and forced authorities to keep some roads closed until late Sunday evening.

The Sindh Environmental Protection Agency (Sepa) said the incident took place in Khayaban-i-Sehar, Street 13, at around 10:30pm on Saturday. “NRL’s response team reached the site around midnight and launched containment and clean-up operations. Spill kits were used to recover the leaked oil, with more than 20 drums collected so far,” it said.

South DIG Syed Asad Raza said NRL’s pipeline, which carries crude oil from Keamari to Korangi, had developed a leak, resulting in crude oil spilling onto main Khayaban-i-Sehar.

He said DHA vigilance teams, the fire brigade and police reached the spot and cordoned off the area to avert any mishap.

The officer added that while the pipeline had been repaired, NRL was yet to give clearance for reopening the closed road.

In a statement, Sepa said it was continuing to monitor the situation and had directed NRL management to ensure that the leak was fully contained, contaminated material was properly disposed of and the potential environmental impact assessed.

Sepa advised residents to stay away from the affected area, avoid smoking or using open flames near the spilled oil and refrain from attempting to clean it up themselves or washing it into drains.

Residents were also urged to immediately report any continued leakage or further spread of oil to the relevant authorities.

Published in Dawn, August 17th, 2026