Karachi, Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab has raised serious concerns about the lack of fire safety measures in the city’s buildings. In a recent review, it was found that only a small fraction of buildings on three major corridors in Karachi have adequate fire safety facilities, with a majority lacking basic fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and proper electrical wiring.

According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, the fire safety audit conducted by the fire brigade department examined 266 buildings along I.I Chandrigar Road, Sharea Faisal, and Shahrah e Quaideen. The audit revealed that only 6 out of these 266 buildings have fire safety facilities. Additionally, more than 200 buildings do not possess fire extinguishers, 62% lack emergency exits, and 70% have substandard electrical wiring. Only 90 of the surveyed buildings were equipped with fire alarms and smoke detectors.

Mayor Wahab emphasized the importance of this audit, especially following various fire incidents in the city. The audit aims to prevent future tragedies and ensure the city administration’s responsibility to protect citizens’ lives and property. He noted that these three main highways of Karachi are surrounded by significant commercial and business centers, making the lack of satisfactory fire prevention arrangements a major concern.

The mayor called for immediate action from all concerned deputy commissioners to provide facilities and support to fire brigade officials. He also stressed the need for responsible citizenship in taking preventive measures and cooperating with authorities. Following the fire safety audit report, recommendations have been made to restrict the entry of unnecessary NGOs to fire incident sites, and instructions have been issued to the Sindh Building Control Authority and building occupants to adopt necessary safety measures.

During the audit, the inspection team checked basic fire safety devices, electric wiring, smoke detectors, fire watch guards, fire extinguishers, fire hoses, and emergency exits. The conditions of electricity meters and electrical equipment were also examined to identify potential fire hazards.

Mayor Wahab stated that it is mandatory by law for all large buildings to have fire safety systems and emergency exit routes. He urged building management and owners to establish these safety measures promptly, highlighting that it is a matter of human lives.