SHC summons SSP Keamari, SHO in Sher Shah air pollution case

Petitioner and several locals are suffering from respiratory issues and other illnesses due to the poor air quality

KARACHI:

The Sindh High Court (SHC) has summoned the SSP Keamari and the SHO Pak Colony on February 1 in response to a petition against toxic environmental pollution allegedly caused by the burning of electric coils by scrap dealers in Sher Shah.

The counsel for the petitioner argued before the SHC on Saturday, highlighting that scrap dealers in Sher Shah are burning electric coils, toxifying the environment. The process of burning coils to extract copper releases carbon monoxide into the atmosphere. Consequently, the petitioner and several locals are suffering from respiratory issues and other illnesses due to the detrimental air quality.

Read: Air pollution haunts twin cities’ dwellers

The petitioner shared a personal account, stating, “My brother succumbed, and the primary cause was the unhealthy atmosphere. Moreover, when we express concerns about the open-air burning of coils, scrap dealers subject us to harassment. The Pak Colony SHO and other authorities have taken no action against those involved in polluting the environment. There are also allegations that the SSP Keamari and the SHO Pak Colony are applying pressure to withdraw the application.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 21^th, 2024.