Karachi is waking up to a thick layer of haze and a lot of questions this Friday. If you’ve stepped outside near Kiamari or the West Wharf area, you probably noticed the air feels a bit different. That’s because a massive fire at the Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT) kept firefighters busy well into the early hours of January 16, 2026.
It was a mess.
More than 20 containers were swallowed by flames. We’re talking about electronics, textiles, and lithium batteries—the kind of stuff that doesn’t just burn; it intensifies. Plumes of black smoke were visible from miles away, making for some pretty apocalyptic photos on social media. Thankfully, Karachi Port Trust (KPT) Chairman Shahid Ahmed confirmed that the coordinated effort between the Pakistan Navy, KPT, and Sindh Rescue 1122 finally doused the blaze. No one died, which is honestly a miracle considering the scale of the destruction.
The Port Fire and Logistics Chaos
Whenever something like this happens at the port, the ripple effects are felt across the city's economy. Port authorities had to freeze loading and unloading for at least two major ships while the cooling operation was underway.
Basically, if you’re waiting on a shipment of electronics or chemicals, there’s likely going to be a delay.
The fire seems to have been triggered spontaneously in a container carrying electrical components and batteries, though a full investigation is still pending. It’s a reminder of how fragile the logistics chain in the "City of Lights" can be.
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Pakistan Karachi news today: The Streets and the Safety
While the port was burning, the rest of the city dealt with the usual—and some unusual—chaos.
The traffic police are trying something new. They just launched a trial for a mobile app that allows officers on duty to snap a photo of a violation and issue an e-challan on the spot. No more arguing with an officer on the corner; the photo goes straight to the system.
It's a bold move.
But not everyone is happy. At a seminar titled "Karachi Transport: Burning Issues and Solutions," Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) leaders and urban planners pointed out that 450 buses aren't nearly enough for a city of 35 million people. They’re calling for the completion of the Red Line BRT and better road infrastructure before the government starts getting aggressive with fines. Honestly, they have a point—70% of the vehicles currently on the road are technically "unfit," yet people have no other way to get to work.
Crime and "Encounters" in the Metropolis
The police have also been active in the Moachko and Bilal Colony areas. Two separate "encounters" on Thursday resulted in the deaths of two suspects. One was identified as Zeeshan, an alleged hitman and ringleader of the Jameel Changa gang. Police say he was notorious for sending "extortion notes" to builders.
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The other, Jehanzeb (known as "Mama"), was reportedly involved in the tragic killing of an 18-year-old boy named Saad during a mobile snatching incident just a few days ago.
Gold Rates and the Wallet Check
If you’re looking at the markets, things are staying relatively flat today. The price for 24-karat gold in Karachi is holding steady at Rs482,462 per tola.
Silver, however, saw a slight bump, rising by Rs100 to reach Rs9,525 per tola.
Internationally, gold took a tiny dip to around $4,608 an ounce, mostly because some of the global geopolitical tension eased up a bit. For the average Karachiite, the cost of living remains the biggest headline. Petrol is sitting at Rs253.17 per litre, and with winter temperatures dropping into the low teens, gas shortages are starting to bite in several neighborhoods.
Weather and Visibility Warnings
The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) is warning of some serious fog. Visibility at the airport and on the link roads has been fluctuating wildly.
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We’re also looking at a "weak westerly wave" hitting us.
What does that mean for your weekend? Probably some overcast skies. The Met Office is actually predicting rain and thunderstorms for Karachi around January 22 and 23. Until then, expect foggy mornings that might turn into smog during the day due to the high humidity and lack of wind.
Keep an eye on the following if you're planning your week:
- Traffic: Use the M-9 with caution; fog is making visibility "critically low" during late-night hours.
- Health: The smog is back. If you have respiratory issues, masks aren't a bad idea in the afternoons.
- School: Don't forget that Sindh schools will be closed on January 17 for Shab-i-Meraj.
Actionable Insights for Today:
- Check your route: If you're heading toward the port or Kiamari, expect residual congestion from the fire response and cooling operations.
- Verify transfers: If you're buying a used vehicle, the Excise Department has updated its vehicle transfer penalty rates—check their portal before you pay.
- Plan for the rain: It’s rare for January, but the Jan 22-23 forecast looks solid. Clear your local drains and check your roof now.
- Avoid night travel: If you're planning a trip to Hyderabad or up-country, the motorways are facing frequent closures due to dense fog. Stick to daylight hours.