Citizens demand KPT to stop unloading of Pet Coke at its terminal.

KARACHI -- Karachi Port Trust (KPT) is ignoring the wellbeing of citizens by allowing to import and store hazardous materials near residential colonies as a ship named Olympus carrying 48,680 tons of Pet Coke arrived at KPT last week. Pet Coke, a by-product of oil refining, is a solid carbon material that resembles coal. It is a solid fuel having specifications identical to thermal coal being used in cement factories in varying percentages of 15 to 30 percent ratio.

Petroleum coke is 90% elemental carbon and 3% to 6% elemental sulfur. Significant quantities of fugitive dust from pet coke storage and handling operations present a health risk similar to coal. Particles less than 10 micrometres in diameter or smaller (referred to as PM10) generally pass through the throat and nose and enter...