Govt Hires US Firm to Help Control Gas Leak From Mysterious Pocket in Karachi

The federal government has engaged US firm Cudd Well Control to assist in extinguishing the fire that broke out on March 28 during drilling near an oil refinery in Karachi’s Korangi Creek, Sindh Chief Secretary’s spokesperson said in a statement. The fire was triggered during a housing project excavation due to a high concentration of chemicals. Technical teams from Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) and United Energy Pakistan Limited (UEPL have inspected the site. Experts are reviewing a strategy to fill the borehole with cement. If needed, a new well may be drilled to reach the gas source. Modern equipment is being arranged to assess gas volume and temperature. The Sindh government remains in contact with federal agencies to address the emergency. A federal committee has also been formed to investigate the incident.