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Express Tribune
3 days ago
- Climate
- Express Tribune
Karachi hit by 19 mild tremors since Sunday
Listen to article A total of 19 mild earthquake tremors have been recorded since Sunday night, an event unprecedented in Karachi city's history. The Early Tsunami Warning Cell Karachi has released official data, confirming that the strongest earthquake measured 3.6 magnitude, while the weakest was recorded at 2.1 magnitude. Out of these, 11 tremors were recorded in the Malir district, while the remaining were felt in the southwestern part of Korangi and the northeastern areas of DHA. Experts attribute the repeated seismic activity to shifts in underground tectonic layers. These tremors are caused by the release of energy generated by low-level seismic movement beneath the earth's surface. In response, residents in several streets and neighborhoods of Malir and Quaidabad have opted to stay outdoors, setting up temporary shelters and tents in open areas. Women gathered throughout Monday to recite the Holy Quran, praying for safety. Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi urged residents to stay calm and not believe in rumours circulating on social media. Read: Light earthquake jolts Karachi; no damage reported According to the National Tsunami Center (Pakistan Meteorological Department), these tremors are not a warning sign of a major natural disaster, but rather a natural geological process. This activity may actually help balance the local fault line for years to come. Ameer Haider Laghari, head of the National Tsunami Center, explained that the Quaidabad fault line remains active, and the situation could continue for up to a week. The year's first earthquake in Karachi was recorded on March 31, registering 4.7 magnitude with a depth of 19 kilometers. In contrast, this latest sequence has shown a consistent pattern, specifically in Malir and Quaidabad, where nine low- to moderate-intensity earthquakes occurred within two days. Several parts of the city felt the tremors. Chronological details of the seismic events include: Sunday, 5:33 PM – Magnitude 3.6, depth 10 km, epicenter: Qaidabad Sunday, 10:29 PM – Magnitude 3.2, depth 10 km, epicenter: Qaidabad Sunday, 11:45 PM – Magnitude 3.1, depth 10 km, epicenter: 40 km southeast of Malir Monday, 1:06 AM – Magnitude 3.2, depth 12 km, epicenter: Gadap Town Monday, 11:04 AM – Magnitude 3.2, epicenter: Qaidabad Monday, 12:17 PM – Magnitude 2.2, depth 29 km, epicenter: southeast Malir Monday, 1:11 PM – Magnitude 2.4, depth 188 km, epicenter: 11 km east of Malir Monday, 1:38 PM – Magnitude 2.9, depth 5 km, epicenter: near DHA Monday, 9:49 PM – Magnitude 3.0, depth 13 km, epicenter: 30 km east of DHA In an interview with Express News, Ameer Haider Laghari noted that the quakes stem from natural tectonic shifts, where built-up energy in the earth is gradually released—causing seismic activity. He emphasized that this is a global geological process, occurring in some regions more frequently than others. He recalled similar tremors in northern Pakistan, where activation of a fault line triggered panic in Islamabad and nearby areas for several days. READ MORE: 4.6-magnitude quake jolts northwestern Pakistan Laghari assured that the Karachi earthquakes are low-intensity, and each subsequent tremor has been less intense than the previous one. He also clarified that these are not aftershocks, as such minor quakes don't usually produce aftershocks—they are independent seismic events. He warned that Malir, Quaidabad, and surrounding areas may continue to feel tremors for two more days to a week. Pakistan lies in a shallow earthquake zone, meaning most quakes occur at low depths. He also highlighted other active fault lines in the region, including the Landhi fault line, Thana Bula Khan, and the Western Kirthar Range Plate Foundry Fault Line. As a precaution, he advised that residents of structurally weak buildings should evacuate quickly during tremors. People should avoid standing near walls, and instead, seek open spaces for temporary shelter. Providing broader context, Dr. Adnan Khan, Associate Professor and Geologist at the University of Karachi, told Express Tribune that these were minor tremors and not a cause for alarm. He explained that Karachi is situated on a passive tectonic margin, far from any major fault line, making large, destructive earthquakes highly unlikely in the region. 'These tremors are classified as mild, resulting from minor tectonic movements and stress accumulation deep within the Earth's crust,' Dr. Khan stated. READ MORE: 3.6 magnitude quake jolts Quetta He also linked these movements indirectly to Himalayan tectonic activity, where the northward shift of the mountain range—by 4 to 5 cm annually—can generate distant tectonic pressures, occasionally manifesting as low-intensity quakes even in far-off areas like Karachi. Dr. Khan further pointed to human factors that may play a subtle role in altering subterranean stability, including industrial waste incineration and excessive groundwater extraction, both of which can influence local seismic behavior over time. While the scientific consensus remains that these tremors are harmless, both Laghari and stressed the importance of basic safety awareness. Dr. Khan also advised citizens to remain calm during any such tremor and to immediately move to open areas, staying away from walls, foundations, or tall structures. Meanwhile, at least 216 prisoners escaped from District Malir Jail in Karachi on Monday night after earthquake tremors led to a temporary evacuation of inmates, Jail Superintendent Arshad Shah confirmed early Tuesday. According to Shah, the prisoners exploited the confusion during the evacuation to flee. In response, security forces including police, Rangers, and Frontier Corps (FC) were swiftly deployed to secure the jail and prevent further escapes. Sindh Inspector General Ghulam Nabi Memon reported that 78 of the escapees have been recaptured, while a major search operation is underway to find the remaining fugitives. Security at the facility has since been tightened, with Rangers taking charge of the perimeter and police strengthening security inside the prison.
Business Recorder
18-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
KW&SC board approves ‘Master Plan 2050'
KARACHI: A meeting of the Board of Directors of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KW&SC) was held under the chairmanship of Mayor Karachi and Chairman KW&SC, Barrister Murtaza Wahab, which focused on major developments including the approval of the Master Plan 2050 and legal measures to prevent water theft. The meeting was attended by Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi, Dr Sarosh Lodhi, Abdul Kabir Qazi, Tanzil Pirzada, Zafar Sobani, CEO KW&SC Ahmed Ali Siddiqui, COO Engineer Asadullah Khan, and other board members. During the session, the minutes of the previous (ninth) board meeting were approved, while several significant agenda items were passed in the tenth meeting. Water board asked to fast-track execution of K-IV project A detailed discussion was held on the Master Plan 2050, which aims to improve water supply and drainage systems in Karachi over the long term. Mayor Murtaza Wahab directed that the implementation of Master Plan 2050 be expedited to ensure better water and sewerage services for the city's residents. The Board also considered legal amendments to combat water theft more effectively. A formal request will be submitted to the Sindh Government to provide the Water Corporation with the authority to confiscate properties of individuals involved in water theft. Additionally, key appointments were approved to strengthen the organizational structure. Muhammad Ammar Khan was appointed as Chief Financial Officer, Jamshed Raza as Chief Human Resource Officer, Naveed Afzal as Chief Strategy Officer, and Saadat Anwar as Chief Information Technology Officer. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
06-05-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Laser lights banned near Karachi airport over safety fears
Listen to article Authorities have imposed a complete ban on the sale and use of laser lights in the vicinity of Jinnah International Airport for two months, citing serious aviation safety concerns, Business Recorder reported. According to a notification issued by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi, the restriction is being implemented under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code and will remain in effect from May 6 to July 5, 2025. The move comes in response to growing worries about the hazards laser beams pose to pilots during aircraft take-offs and landings at the airport. The notification explicitly warns that laser beams can significantly impair a pilot's vision, particularly during critical flight operations such as landings and departures, potentially leading to catastrophic incidents. 'Laser beams may affect pilots' eyesight, especially during critical moments such as landing and take-off, increasing the risk of aviation accidents,' the document stated. To ensure compliance, all local police stations have been directed to take immediate and strict action against any violations of the ban. The prohibition applies to all areas surrounding the airport and aims to prevent disruptions to air traffic and ensure passenger and crew safety. Officials stressed that the temporary measure is essential for the protection of aviation operations and will be rigorously enforced throughout the two-month period.
Business Recorder
06-05-2025
- Business Recorder
Laser light ban imposed near Karachi's Jinnah Airport over aviation safety concerns
Authorities have imposed a complete ban on the sale and use of laser lights in the vicinity of Jinnah International Airport in Karachi for two months, citing aviation safety concerns. According to a notification issued by Commissioner Karachi, Syed Hassan Naqvi, the restriction falls under Section 144 and will be enforced from 6 May to 5 July 2025. The decision comes in light of growing concerns over the dangers posed by laser beams during aircraft take-offs and landings at Jinnah Airport. Missing wheel from Lahore-bound PIA flight found at Karachi airport The notification warns that laser lights can severely impair pilots' vision, potentially leading to catastrophic air incidents. 'Laser beams may affect pilots' eyesight, especially during critical moments such as landing and take-off, increasing the risk of aviation accidents,' the document stated. In response to the notification, local police stations have been instructed to take immediate action against any violations. The ban extends to all areas surrounding the city's airports and is aimed at preventing disruptions to air traffic and ensuring passenger safety. Officials emphasised that the temporary prohibition is necessary to safeguard pilots and passengers alike and will be strictly enforced throughout the two-month period. Earlier, on the directives of Commissioner Karachi Syed Hasan Naqvi Section 144 was imposed in the SITE area and Keamari districts for two months, limiting several activities to keep public order and traffic control. The implementation will remain effective until June 24, including a prohibition on encroachments on green belts, public spaces, and sidewalks, as well as debris discarded in these areas. Earlier, Commissioner Syed Hasan Naqvi had imposed Section 144 to control heavy traffic movement in Karachi, prohibiting the entrance of heavy vehicles between 6:00 AM and 10:00 PM to limit road accidents. The restriction is applied to freight vehicles also. Law enforcement agencies have been directed to strictly deal with the violators of Section 144, guaranteeing compliance with the new regulations.
Express Tribune
17-04-2025
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
Heavy vehicles banned in Karachi during daytime
Listen to article Authorities in Karachi have imposed a two-month ban on the movement of heavy transport vehicles during daytime hours, aiming to address worsening traffic congestion and road safety risks, Express News reported. The restriction, enacted under Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code, will be in force from April 17 to June 16, 2025, according to a notification issued by Karachi Division Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi. 'The move aims to protect human lives and ensure smooth traffic flow,' said Commissioner Naqvi, underscoring the urgency of mitigating gridlock in the metropolis. Under the new rules, all heavy vehicles—including dumpers transporting construction material—are prohibited from city roads between 6:00 am to 10:00 pm. However, vehicles delivering essential goods such as water, food, medical supplies, edible oil, and medical gases are exempt. Even so, operators of exempted vehicles have been encouraged to move during off-peak hours to minimise disruption. Law enforcement and traffic officials have been authorised to take legal action under Section 188 of the Pakistan Penal Code against those who violate the directive.
