Faisalabad factory blast

The Friday's factory blast in Faisalabad town of Punjab — yet another claiming precious human lives in a residential locality in significant numbers — exposes the complicity of the authorities that are dutybound to keep a check on illegal activities like these. The deadly blast at the chemical factory located in Malikpur residential neighbouhood triggered a massive fire causing the deaths of at least 20 people and injuries to seven others. That explosive material was stored within the factory housed amid residential units left, right and centre speaks of the criminal apathy of the factory owners and the patronage of the relevant authorities enjoyed by them.

Commercial establishments — even those that pose serious danger to human lives — continue to operate in the heart of residential neighbourhoods. And that's the case nearly everywhere in the country. Just last week, nine people lost their lives in an illegal firecracker factory in Hyderabad, Sindh. In June 2024, a cylinder blast in the same city had claimed the lives of 27 people. Faisalabad alone has recorded 20 boiler explosions or major fire incidents between June 2019 and May 2024, killing 13 workers and injuring 20 others, according to Rescue 1122 data. These incidents include those that happened in residential localities.

Thousands upon thousands words have been written on the impunity with which even hazardous commercial activities are being carried out in densely populated areas. Sadly, nobody is bothered. As always, the authorities will spring into action this time too, seal a few illegal businesses, make a few arrests — and soon there will be business as usual. While provincial governments must come down hard on the responsible officials for their complicity, the residents too must formally report such illegal establishments to the police and other relevant authorities, and pursue the cases vigorously.