Fire destroys 50 acres of wheat

Suspected electrical fault causes loss to farmers

HAFIZABAD:

A fire swept through wheat fields in Nai Wala village along Kassesay Road, destroying over 50 acres of standing crop and causing financial losses estimated at more than Rs15 million.

Initial reports suggest that the blaze ignited during the harvesting process when a spark from an 11,000KV power line allegedly fell onto the dry crop.

The fire rapidly engulfed multiple fields, affecting the harvests of more than ten local landowners.

Rescue 1122 teams responded swiftly and were able to bring the fire under control after an intense operation, successfully preventing it from spreading to nearby farmland and residential areas.

No casualties were reported, but the economic impact has been devastating for the affected farmers.

Authorities have launched an inquiry to determine the precise cause of the fire and to assess the extent of the damage.

Local residents and farmer associations have called on the government to provide compensation to the victims and to implement preventive measures to avert such incidents in the future.

Meanwhile, PTI MPA Zameerul Hassan Bhatti has held municipal officers responsible for the recent tragedy in Christian Colony, Qila Sahib Singh, where three children died and five others remain critical after consuming poisonous sweets.

In a strongly worded statement, Bhatti condemned the negligence of the Municipal Committee, calling it a gross failure in public health and safety.

He urged that accountability must not be limited to lower-ranking employees, and demanded a high-level, impartial investigation.

"This is not the time for scapegoats," Bhatti said. "The real culprits—regardless of their position—must be brought to justice."

He expressed solidarity with the bereaved families and vowed to continue raising the issue in the Punjab Assembly until justice is delivered.

"Their pain is our pain," he added, pledging unwavering support for the victims' families.