By Farman Ullah
A major fire broke out in a tissue paper manufacturing factory located in the Industrial Estate, Peshawar, engulfing the facility in a catastrophic blaze that caused extensive damage. The incident, which took place during the day, mobilised local fire brigades and rescue teams as they rushed to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to nearby structures.
The Extent of the Damage
The damage to the factory is estimated to be in the millions, including lost stock, machinery, and building repairs. This incident has sparked conversations in the local business community regarding the need for stringent fire safety protocols in industries that handle flammable materials. Economists highlight that the incident could impact the local economy, as the factory is a major supplier of tissue products within the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region. This temporary halt in production may lead to supply disruptions, affecting both local retailers and exporters dependent on these goods.
Possible Cause of the Fire
While the precise cause of the fire is still under investigation, early indications suggest that it could have been triggered by an electrical fault. Investigators have not ruled out other potential causes, including the possibility of a chemical reaction within the manufacturing process. Factory management and local authorities are working in coordination to conduct a detailed forensic investigation. Meanwhile, the provincial government has ordered an immediate review of fire safety protocols across industrial units in the region.
Poor Response by the KP Government
The response of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government to the tissue paper factory fire has drawn criticism from both the public and industry insiders for its apparent lack of urgency and preparedness. Although firefighting teams eventually arrived, delays due to limited resources and inadequate equipment hampered their efforts to control the blaze effectively. Adding to these challenges, several firefighting and rescue vehicles remain under the custody of the Islamabad police due to unresolved administrative and legal issues, further reducing KP’s firefighting capacity. These withheld vehicles could have bolstered the response, potentially reducing the extent of the damage. Critics argue that the KP government needs to expedite the retrieval of these vehicles and invest in improving its emergency response infrastructure to avoid such preventable losses in the future.
Community Reaction and Next Steps
Local residents and workers from neighboring factories have expressed their concerns regarding industrial safety in Peshawar’s manufacturing sector. Many workers were visibly shaken by the incident, as the potential for accidents in such facilities remains high. Authorities have assured the public that a thorough investigation will be carried out, and they will take appropriate measures to prevent similar incidents in the future. Meanwhile, the affected factory management has promised to rebuild the facility and resume production once safety improvements are made.