KASUR: A man was burnt alive while three others were injured when an illegal mini-petrol pump near Toll Tax Chowk caught fire in Kot Radha Kishan.

Late on Thursday night, the illegal filling station near Toll Tax Chowk caught fire due to a short circuit. The fire engulfed the entire shop in no time, burning a man alive. The deceased was identified as Shoaib. The injured persons were shopkeepers Arslan and Adeel, and a customer, Shan. They were shifted to the THQ Hospital, Kot Radha Kishan, where doctors referred them to Lahore.

The incident proved a wake-up call for the district administration as Deputy Commissioner Arshad Bhatti constituted teams to eliminate illegal filling pumps in the district. The assistant commissioners concerned are heading these teams.

The DC ordered a crackdown on all such illegal installations in all four tehsils Chunian, Pattoki, Kasur and Kot Radha Kishan.

The administration claimed to have arrested over a dozen people who owned illegal filling stations and sealed their shops.

Over 60 mini-petrol pumps have been working in the district for many years, mostly near the police stations. The illegal activities in most of the cases are supervised by local influential people.

Interestingly, there is no fire brigade in Kot Radha Kishan tehsil to deal with fire incidents.

Published in Dawn, June 3rd, 2023

Opinion

Editorial

United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

AN IMF mission is in Islamabad for unusual, early talks with the Pakistani authorities as the lender seems worried...
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

BARA tehsil, a region typically known for its security challenges and socioeconomic problems, can now boast the...
System failure
Updated 12 Nov, 2024

System failure

Relevant institutions often treat right to internet connectivity with the same disdain as they do civil and political rights.
Narrowing the gap
12 Nov, 2024

Narrowing the gap

PERHAPS a pat on the back is in order for the ECP. Together with Nadra, it has made visible efforts to reduce...
Back on their feet
12 Nov, 2024

Back on their feet

A STIRRING comeback in the series has ended Pakistan’s 22-year wait for victory against world champions Australia....