Containers containing chemicals, textiles and batteries fuel the fire; KPT, KMC, Pak Navy and Rescue 1122 responded immediately
Firefighters battle a fire at the West Wharf terminal of the Port of Karachi on January 16, 2026. Photo: Express
A massive fire at the Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT) on the west quay of Kiamari Port, which engulfed more than 20 containers on Friday, has been completely extinguished, officials confirmed. Thick plumes of smoke from the fire were visible for several kilometers. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
Authorities said the containers were carrying electronic items, chemicals, textiles and batteries, which intensified the fire. Firefighting teams from Karachi Port Trust (KPT), Pakistan Navy, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Fire Brigade, Sindh Rescue 1122 and Karachi Shipyard rushed to the scene.
A total of 15 firefighters were deployed and, after a strenuous operation, the fire was brought under control. Cooling operations continued for several hours to avoid a restart.
As a precautionary measure, port authorities suspended the loading and unloading of two vessels, partially affecting port operations. Officials said activities in other areas of the port continued on a limited scale and all personnel had been safely evacuated.
KMC fire chief Humayun Khan said the cause of the fire could not be ascertained immediately, adding that containers carrying various types of goods were affected. Water tankers and firefighting vehicles remained mobilized for several hours to contain the fire.
Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry took cognizance of the incident and sought a detailed report, directing the KPT Chairman and concerned officials to visit the site and use all available resources to bring the fire under control.
KPT Chairman Shahid Ahmed confirmed that the fire had been completely extinguished, praising the coordinated efforts of KPT and Pakistan Navy fire teams, as well as units of Rescue 1122 and Karachi Shipyard. He said the operation demonstrated effective cooperation between all agencies and the professionalism of the firefighting teams was commendable.
The extent of the financial losses and the exact cause of the fire have not yet been determined and investigations are ongoing.
