Karachi factory fire

Published October 13, 2012

THE factory fire in Karachi left profound sorrow in our mind and also made us realise that we are far behind developed countries where safety measures at workplaces are concerned.

It also showed the government’s failure and negligence in handling disasters.

The first negligence was that the factory was not registered under the Factory Act. All employees working there were not enrolled with the EOBI. Safety equipment had not been provided to the workers. The infrastructure at the factory was not suitable as there was only one entry and one exit point.

There was no fire extinguisher, no fire alarm, no fire or smoke detector. In short, there was no safety/precautionary equipment.

The employees had not been provided any training in case of an accident or disaster.

Why has not the government checked issues regarding negligence at the factory? Why couldn’t the government control the fire on time and prevent so many people from dying?

HAFIZA OMAIMA BAIG Karachi

Opinion

Editorial

Slow start
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Slow start

Despite high attendance, the NA managed to pass only a single money bill during this period.
Sindh lawlessness
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Sindh lawlessness

A recently released report describes the law and order situation in Karachi as “worryingly poor”.
Punjab budget
15 Jun, 2024

Punjab budget

PUNJAB’S budget for 2024-25 provides much fodder to those who believe that the increased provincial share from the...
Budget and politics
Updated 14 Jun, 2024

Budget and politics

PML-N, scared of taking bold steps lest it loses whatever little public support it has, has left its traditional support — traders — virtually untouched.
New talks?
14 Jun, 2024

New talks?

WILL this prove another false start, or may we expect a more sincere effort this time? Reference is made to the...
A non-starter
14 Jun, 2024

A non-starter

WHILE the UN Security Council had earlier this week adopted a US-backed resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza...