Karachi, our largest industrial hub, has once again been marred by a tragic fire incident, claiming at least eleven lives and injuring twenty-two others at the RJ Mall on Rashid Minhas Road. This was not an isolated event but rather part of a disturbing pattern in Karachi. The city has witnessed numerous fire outbreaks in the past, each time resulting in loss of lives and immense damage. Despite the frequency of these incidents, a comprehensive and effective response to prevent such tragedies has been lacking.
In latest incident, it was revealed that the commercial high-rise lacked a crucial safety feature – a fire extinguishing system. The building, which housed shopping and call centres as well as software houses, was centrally air-conditioned, leaving no means for the air to escape. This negligence highlights a critical gap in adhering to safety standards and regulations. Caretaker Sindh Chief Minister Justice Maqbool Baqar (Retd) while taking notice of the fire incident said a comprehensive inspection regime has been developed to assess and rectify safety deficiencies. A significant contributing factor to these incidents is violation of building codes. More than ninety percent of industries, residential buildings and structures in Karachi lack proper fire safety arrangements. The authorities’ failure to enforce building codes has resulted in a perilous situation where citizens are left vulnerable to fire hazards.
We expect that inspection regime will not only take strict action against those who violated building codes but also ensure that these are not breached in future. Additionally, there is an urgent need to strengthen city’s fire brigade department. Adequate training, modern equipment and efficient response mechanisms are imperative to ensure timely containment and extinguishing of fires, minimising both casualties and property damage. It is horrifying to note that 12,000 to 15,000 people die in hundreds of fire incidents in the country every year. Hence this matter needs to be taken in a holistic manner both at federal and provincial levels. It is equally crucial to introduce fire safety education at school, college and university levels. By raising awareness and providing training on preventive measures and appropriate responses during emergencies, the public can be better equipped to handle natural and man-made disasters.
