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KARACHI: The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) has reassured residents that the unusually strong smell of natural gas reported in several parts of Karachi is the result of routine testing linked to a new pipeline project and not due to any gas leak. In a statement issued on Sunday, the utility company said the odor was caused by the temporary addition of a higher-than-normal concentration of odorant during the commissioning of a new gas pipeline near Abul Hasan Ispahani Road. According to SSGC, the testing of odorisation plants forms a standard part of the commissioning process to ensure that natural gas can be easily detected by smell in the event of future leaks. The company emphasized that gas system pressures remain stable and that no leakage has been detected anywhere in the network. The stronger odor prompted numerous complaints from residents across different neighborhoods, many of whom feared a possible gas leak. However, SSGC clarified that the smell was expected during the testing phase and did not pose any immediate safety risk. “The system is operating under normal conditions, and no gas leakage has been reported,” the company said, urging consumers to remain calm and continue their daily activities without concern. Officials explained that odorants, which are harmless chemical compounds, are intentionally added to naturally odorless gas to help people quickly identify leaks. During commissioning and testing, the quantity of odorant may temporarily increase, resulting in a stronger smell than usual. The clarification comes amid heightened public sensitivity over gas safety following several incidents in recent years involving gas leaks and explosions in Karachi. In April this year, a local court held SSGC responsible for negligence in connection with a 2022 gas explosion in Orangi Town’s Millat Colony, which claimed the lives of two residents. The court directed the company to pay Rs30 million in compensation to the affected family after concluding that repeated complaints about gas leakage had not been addressed adequately. Against that backdrop, Sunday’s reports of a strong gas smell quickly attracted public attention and triggered concerns on social media. SSGC said it remains committed to maintaining a safe and reliable gas distribution system and advised consumers to report any actual signs of leakage, such as hissing sounds or damaged pipelines, through its emergency helpline. The company added that technical teams would continue monitoring the network while pipeline commissioning and testing activities are completed.

Intermittent rain continues to affect several parts of Sindh, including Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Tharparkar, Badin, Thatta and Sujawal, bringing relief from the heat but also causing water accumulation in low-lying areas. In Mirpurkhas, persistent rainfall has flooded several low-lying localities, with rainwater entering homes and creating difficulties for residents. The situation has also disrupted routine activities in affected areas. Power supply has also been affected in parts of Mirpurkhas following a fault in a high-tension transmission line. Residents have faced electricity outages as efforts continue to address the technical issue and restore the supply. Weather conditions remain unsettled across southern and southeastern Sindh, where rain-bearing clouds continue to dominate the region. Further rainfall is possible in several areas as the weather system remains active. In Karachi, light rain and drizzle were reported in several parts of the city, including Quaidabad, Malir and Gulistan-e-Johar. The showers brought cooler conditions to some localities, while residents in other areas continued to experience cloudy and humid weather. Authorities and local administrations are monitoring the situation, particularly in low-lying areas where continued rainfall could lead to further water accumulation and temporary disruption to daily life.

The Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) on Sunday clarified that the strong gas smell reported in several parts of Karachi, including areas near Abul Hasan Isphahani Road, did not result from a gas leak. The company said residents began reporting the unusual smell on Saturday night, raising concerns about a possible leak. However, SSGC explained that the smell came from the testing of odourisation plants during the commissioning process of a newly installed gas pipeline. According to the company, natural gas has no smell of its own. Gas distribution companies add special odorants to the supply as a safety measure so that consumers can quickly detect a potential leak. During the testing process, SSGC added a larger-than-usual quantity of the odorant, which caused the gas to produce a much stronger smell than normal. The unusual odour prompted people from different parts of Karachi to report what they believed could be a gas leak. SSGC, however, said its teams found no evidence of any leak and confirmed that the gas network was operating at normal pressure. In a media alert issued on Sunday, the company urged customers not to panic and said they could continue with their routine activities. SSGC also reassured consumers that the strong smell resulted solely from the increased amount of odorant used during the testing of the new odourisation facilities. Gas leaks can pose serious risks to public safety. Accumulated gas can cause fires and explosions, while inhaling high concentrations in enclosed spaces can lead to suffocation and death. Authorities regularly advise consumers to take immediate precautions if they detect an unusual gas smell and to report suspected leaks to the relevant gas utility. The latest clarification comes months after a tragic gas leak incident in Rawalpindi. In January, three women died from suffocation while another woman fainted after a gas leak in an apartment in Bahria Town Phase VII. SSGC’s clarification aims to reassure Karachi residents that the strong smell reported in the city was linked to the testing of its odourisation system rather than an actual gas leak.

Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi chief Munim Zafar Khan has called for an immediate reduction in petrol prices, saying the government must end what he described as excessive petroleum levies that are placing an unfair financial burden on the public. Speaking to Geo News, Zafar said the Jamaat-e-Islami’s sit-in outside the Governor House in Karachi had entered its second day. He said the protesters had presented clear demands and would continue their demonstration until the government addressed their concerns. According to Zafar, a large number of women will join the protest at 3pm today, adding further momentum to the demonstration. He said the party plans to maintain pressure on the government over rising fuel prices, electricity bills and other issues affecting ordinary citizens. The JI Karachi chief also demanded a forensic audit of Independent Power Producers (IPPs), arguing that the government should investigate power-sector agreements and costs to identify areas where consumers may be facing unnecessary financial pressure. Zafar said controlling inflation should remain the government’s top priority, as rising prices continue to affect household budgets across the country. He maintained that the public should not have to bear what he termed excessive charges and levies. He further said Jamaat-e-Islami had launched sit-ins in all four provinces and would continue its protests until the government accepted its demands. The ongoing Karachi demonstration focuses on petroleum levies, electricity bills and broader public concerns. The party has vowed to continue the sit-in at the Governor House as part of its campaign for relief from rising living costs.

Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan has assured goods transporters that he will not allow the motorway police to issue a single unjustified or unlawful traffic challan, stressing that the government will honour all commitments made to the transport sector. The minister made the remarks at a reception hosted in his honour by goods transporters following the successful conclusion of negotiations between transporters and the government. Addressing the gathering, Abdul Aleem Khan urged transporters to comply with the axle-load policy, saying the regulation serves their own interests. He explained that carrying excessive weight puts additional pressure on vehicles and causes significant damage to roads and other transport infrastructure. The federal minister acknowledged the vital role of the transport industry in keeping the country’s economy moving. He said the government needs the cooperation of transporters to support economic growth and improve the overall transportation system. Abdul Aleem Khan also assured the transport community that he would personally monitor their concerns if necessary. “If required, I will stand on the roads myself to observe the problems faced by transporters,” he said, underlining his commitment to resolving issues through direct engagement. The development follows high-level talks chaired by Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nehal Hashmi, during which representatives of the Pakistan Goods Transport Association held negotiations with federal and provincial government officials. The talks ended successfully, prompting goods transporters to suspend their nationwide strike, which had continued for nine days. The transporters have agreed to postpone the strike for 40 days and resume the movement of goods across the country. The agreement has temporarily eased tensions between the government and the transport sector, while both sides are expected to use the 40-day period to address outstanding concerns and work toward a longer-term resolution.

Karachi Traffic Police have announced a special traffic management plan for processions scheduled to take place across the city on August 22 in connection with 8 Rabi-ul-Awwal. According to the traffic police spokesperson, processions will leave from Nishtar Park and several other locations in Karachi. Authorities have made special arrangements to keep traffic moving and minimize disruption along the procession routes. Traffic police said vehicle entry passes for the processions will be available from August 17 to 20. Applicants must submit the vehicle’s registration card, their CNIC, and two recent photographs to obtain a pass. Drivers must also carry the original vehicle registration card and CNIC with them during the procession. Those seeking vehicle passes can contact the designated central office for further information and registration. The traffic police will introduce alternative traffic routes and make diversions at different points during the processions. Additional personnel will also be deployed to manage traffic and guide motorists. Citizens have been advised to avoid unnecessary travel on procession routes and follow instructions from traffic police officials. Authorities have urged motorists to cooperate with traffic management teams to ensure smooth movement and reduce inconvenience for commuters across the city.