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Express Tribune
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
India's false thunder fizzles in face of reality
Trailers roll steadily towards Karachi Port, loading and unloading export cargo with clockwork precision - a scene of normalcy that flies in the face of Indian media's fictional narrative of destruction. As crowds gather at bustling food streets and night traffic paints the city in motion, the so-called "bombed" city proves it's very much alive. PHOTO: Jalal Qureshi/express If one were to believe the shrill drumbeats echoing from Indian newsrooms, Karachi — a vibrant metropolis of over 30 million — would have been reduced to nothing but rubble. But just like all other lies, deceit and shenanigans that originate across the border, this too has been unmasked as fiction, not fact. Indian media's hollow cries of an "attack on Karachi" are yet another chapter in a tired playbook of fearmongering, spun not for truth, but for optics. Yet, Karachi stands tall — unbroken, undisturbed, and unimpressed. The Express Tribune has investigated the Indian media's false propaganda about an attack on Karachi and has brought to light the real situation in the city. Amid breathless Indian media reports claiming devastation and emergency in Karachi following a supposed attack, the facts on the ground tell a very different story — one of calm, continuity, and resilience. The only thing under siege was the truth itself, as Indian anchors peddled panic from behind studio desks, far removed from the ground reality. Business districts are buzzing, streets are jammed with everyday hustle, and commercial life pulses unimpeded across the metropolis. From Keamari to Korangi, Machar Colony to Malir, no trace of disruption can be found. Public transport runs routinely, cargo flows unhalted, and the city's famously tireless populace continues its daily rhythm — entirely unaffected by foreign fiction. In a striking twist, even the traffic jams once cursed by commuters were now seen as a welcome sign of peace — proof that life in the city marches on, loud and proud. Many voices from across Karachi have condemned what they call India's media warfare, aimed at pacifying its domestic audience with tales of manufactured triumph. "This is nothing more than psychological warfare," said Patron-in-Chief of the Karachi Traders Alliance Khawaja Jamal Sethi. "Karachi is open. Our markets, our petrol pumps, our lives - all are operating as normal. India is waging a war of words because it cannot win a war of truth." President of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance Malik Shehzad Awan confirmed that no disruption had occurred in cargo or commuter movement. "India is spinning tales, but the world can see that Karachi neither sleeps nor is scared." Echoing the sentiment, senior political analyst Zia Abbas pointedly remarked, "Modi's government has suffered military, moral, and diplomatic defeats. Now they are clutching at the straws of media warfare, but Pakistan sees through the façade — and so does the world." From minority leaders like Naveed Bhatti, who reaffirmed that the city's diverse communities feel safe and stand united, to humanitarian workers like Chhipa's Chaudhry Shahid Hussain, who called Indian claims "utter fabrications". Sindh's Minister for Local Government, Saeed Ghani, summed it up as "there is no emergency, no attack, and no disruption. This is Indian propaganda at its worst — and it has failed. Citizens from all religions and communities in the city are united."
Express Tribune
30-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
New jetty inaugurated
Boats are moored at Keamari Jetty as fishermen were advised against going into the sea due to a storm warning. Photo: Jalal Qureshi/express Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry inaugurated the newly-constructed Boat Basin Jetty in Keamari involving a cost of over Rs1 billion. Speaking on the occasion, the federal minister said that the jetty has been built on modern lines keeping in mind the convenience and safety of the public. "This project will not only provide convenience to the citizens of Karachi but will also help in preserving the historical importance of Karachi," he said, adding that the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) has played an important role in the development of the city and will continue to play its role in the future for the protection of public facilities and the cultural heritage of Karachi. He announced that the historic building of Karachi Port will be converted into a Marine Museum. He clarified that Karachi Port is the pillar of Pakistan's economy. The port is a source of income of billions of rupees for the Government of Pakistan, FBR, Customs and industrialists.
Express Tribune
03-04-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Gas pocket found in Karachi during test well drilling
A raging fire near Korangi Crossing sends flames soaring into the sky, leaving authorities scrambling to determine the cause. PHOTO: Jalal Qureshi /EXPRESS Listen to article A gas pocket has been found during the excavation of a test well in Karachi's Korangi Creek area, Express News reported. TPL Properties, a real estate developer, announced the discovery and confirmed the development in a notice issued to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Thursday. According to the notice, the initial technical assessments, along with independent views from industry experts, suggest that the gas may be biogenic methane, a gas typically formed from the decomposition of organic matter. The company clarified that this discovery is not part of any known natural gas reserves in the region. TPL Properties also noted that, given the nature of the area, it is likely that the gas pocket will naturally dissipate over time, especially if it is left to burn. The company further stated that the test is part of an extensive study conducted with the cooperation of renowned national and international consulting firms. The study includes geotechnical assessments, soil composition and contamination tests, electrical resistivity surveys (ER), a comprehensive environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA), and other baseline studies. A Chinese study, published in 2020, also identified the presence of gas and coal reserves in the Korangi Creek area, revealing that the area has three layers of rocks where gas reserves can be found. These rocks, known as Myosin, are 20-25 million-years-old and contain underground sweet water reserves and gas deposits. Beneath the Myosin rock layer, lie the Paleocene and Eocene rocks. The older the rocks, the more hydrocarbon reserves they contain. Drilling data from Korangi Creek and the Indus Delta revealed a high percentage of Total Organic Material (TOC), ranging from 3 to 3.5%, with a kerogen type III, indicating the promising possibility of methane gas reserves and coal seams. A Chinese research group's four-year study on the Indus Delta found that oil and gas exploration activities near Karachi's coast were unsuccessful due to the absence of structural traps, which are rocks that prevent hydrocarbons from rising. The announcement comes after a massive fire erupted early Saturday morning near an oil refinery in Karachi's Korangi area, which has now been raging for over five days. The incident, which occurred late on the night of March 28 prompted TPL Properties to take immediate steps to manage the situation. The company assured stakeholders that all necessary measures have been taken, and relevant parties have been informed.
Express Tribune
03-04-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Mysterious Korangi fire remains uncontrolled after six days
A raging fire near Korangi Crossing sends flames soaring into the sky, leaving authorities scrambling to determine the cause. PHOTO: Jalal Qureshi /EXPRESS Listen to article A fire ignited during the excavation of a borehole in Korangi Creek, Karachi, is still burning, six days after the incident. The fire broke out following the drilling of a 1200-foot borehole. Efforts to put out the blaze were halted on Saturday due to the severe heat, making it unsafe to continue the firefighting operation. The authorities have since collected samples of water and sand from the area for chemical analysis, which will help determine the type and size of the gas present in the underground reservoir. On the other hand, a geologist has highlighted the potential for large underground gas reserves in Karachi's Korangi Creek area. Dr. Adnan Khan, Associate Professor at the University of Karachi's Department of Geology, referred to 56 years of data from nearby oil and gas exploration wells, suggesting methane gas and possibly coal deposits in the area. He explained that the fire was triggered by increased temperatures during drilling, which released trapped methane gas, a highly flammable substance. Methane's explosive potential increases when mixed with air, and experts caution that the current gas emissions at the site exceed 15%, requiring urgent precautions. Dr. Khan pointed out that Korangi Creek's 25-million-year-old rocks contain natural water reserves and methane, which, combined with the area's geological features, could indicate significant hydrocarbon reserves. A 2020 Chinese study identified gas and coal layers in Korangi Creek, further supporting the possibility of valuable underground resources. However, the presence of structural traps, faults, and fractures in the area also allowed gas to rise to the surface, causing the fire. He warned that the fire could persist for weeks, posing hazardous risks to the surrounding population due to continuous carbon dioxide emissions.
Express Tribune
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Revelers hit the beach, food streets
People enjoy swings at amusement parks and waves on Sea View Beach during the Eid holidays. Photos: Jalal Qureshi/express The city dwellers made the most of the Eid-ul-Fitr holidays, enjoying three days of celebrations and entertainment. Food streets and the beaches witnessed large crowds, while Eid fairs in the neighbourhoods of the old city area added to the festive spirit. Youngsters and children, in particular, reveled in the festivities, making the most of their Eid holidays. On the first day of Eid, after offering prayers, many citizens visited the graves of the dear departed ones then headed home for the traditional Eid breakfast. Many spent the day visiting relatives to exchange Eid greetings. However, youth headed straight to recreational spots from the very first day. Many others took the opportunity to rest and hibernated for the day. Besides family gatherings, thousands converged to city's hotspot the Seaview and Clifton beaches, while others headed to the few recreational parks left in the metropolis after the demolition of Aladin Park by the orders of Supreme Court bench headed by the then chief justice of Pakistan Justice Gulzar Ahmed. Karachi Zoo, Safari Park, and Hill Park saw an expotential rush of visitors throughout the Eid holidays. Young people could be seen playing music in their cars, dancing, and celebrating with enthusiasm. At the zoo, families and children enjoyed watching animals and took selfies with them. Meanwhile, at Seaview, children and youngsters delighted in camel and horse rides, while some ventured into the sea for a refreshing dip. A few adventurous youths even organised motorcycle races. Interestingly, women in Eid dresses were seen splashing their feet in the seawater along the Clifton Beach. Several areas, including Orangi Town, Liaquatabad, and Korangi, hosted Eid fairs with amusement rides, camels, and food stalls, drawing crowds of all ages. Children eagerly spent their Eidi on attractions, adding to the festive atmosphere. At an FC Area fair, Rida Khan remarked, "Ramazan was all about worship and kitchen duties for women. The first two days of Eid were for family, but today is for the children's enjoyment." Young Fatima Ahmed added, "Eid has been amazing! The fair made it even more special." With improved security, Karachiites celebrated Eid in peace and joy. Food Streets Bustle Throughout the three days of Eid, Karachi's famous food streets-including Burns Road, Boat Basin, Hussainabad, Super Highway, Kharadar, Nazimabad, and Liaquatabad Dak Khana-remained crowded, especially at night. The air was filled with the aroma of traditional dishes like biryani, pulao, and chicken or mutton karahi. However, barbecue items were the top choice, drawing the biggest crowds. Women particularly enjoyed grilled tikka, various types of kebabs, sajji, gola kebabs, and reshmi kebabs, while children favored broast and burgers. Many women shared that after spending Ramazan in worship and the kitchen, dining out on Eid was a must. "Eid wouldn't feel complete without an outing and a nice dinner," one visitor remarked. Children also expressed their excitement, saying, "After receiving Eidi and having fun, enjoying a great meal is what Eid is all about!" Meanwhile, some families chose to celebrate Eid at home, preparing special meals and enjoying the occasion in a more intimate setting.
