A significant fire continues to engulf a tissue paper factory in Peshawar’s Industrial Estate, with firefighting efforts extending beyond 23 hours. The fire, which broke out in Hayatabad, has proven difficult to control despite extensive rescue operations.
More than 25 Rescue 1122 vehicles and over 100 rescue workers from nearby districts, including Charsadda, Mardan, Swabi, Nowshera, and Khyber, are on-site, battling the blaze. Sections of the factory remain ablaze, and the damage to the building is considerable.
During the operation, 18 rescue workers were affected by the hazardous conditions, requiring medical treatment. Fortunately, they are now reported to be recovering.
Authorities are committed to bringing the situation under control soon to prevent further destruction.
This fire follows similar recent incidents. Earlier this month, a warehouse in Karachi’s Korangi area caught fire, with flames intensified by chemical drums, destroying stored cotton, wood, cardboard, foam, and chemicals. Firefighters from KMC, PARCO, Rescue 1122, and the National Refinery successfully doused the flames within an hour. Last month, a fire at a Landhi garment factory caused extensive loss of inventory, raw materials, and machinery, though no casualties occurred due to the factory being closed at the time.
These incidents highlight ongoing challenges in industrial safety and emergency response across Pakistan.