Following the deadly fire at Gul Plaza, the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has issued a strict three-day deadline for the installation of fire safety systems in commercial buildings across Karachi. The move aims to prevent similar disasters in the future.
According to a notice shared by Mayor Karachi Murtaza Wahab, the SBCA has officially informed the Chairman of the Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) in writing.
Builders and property owners have been instructed to implement the fire safety measures highlighted in recent audits immediately. Officials stressed that compliance within the given timeframe is mandatory and serves the public interest.
SBCA officials confirmed that fire safety audits were conducted on six buildings in Karachi’s South and East districts on Tuesday. Following these inspections, notices are being issued to commercial centres instructing them to install proper fire prevention and firefighting systems without delay.
Authorities have warned that any commercial building found to be without functional fire safety equipment after the three-day deadline will be sealed.
The SBCA emphasized that all commercial buildings must have essential fire safety arrangements, including alarms, firefighting equipment, and emergency evacuation systems. Officials said the Gul Plaza tragedy exposed serious gaps in safety preparedness, making immediate enforcement necessary.
On the other hand, Muhammad Hassan Bakhshi, Chairman of ABAD, stated that it is not possible to install fire safety equipment in all buildings across Karachi within three days, as the required equipment is not available in the market.
Speaking on a local media program, Chairman ABAD stated that many of the buildings identified in the report are over 30 to 35 years old.
He added that most buildings constructed by ABAD members over the past 15 to 20 years already have fire safety measures in place. However, builders of older buildings have been instructed to comply with fire safety regulations immediately.