Sindh government is bolstering fire safety efforts by supporting Rescue 1122 and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) to safeguard lives and properties during fire emergencies in the city’s high-rises and industrial zones, according to Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, Sindh Minister for Planning & Development and Energy.
Speaking at the 14th Fire Safety & Security Convention-2024, organized by the National Forum for Environment and Health (NFEH), Shah emphasized the government’s commitment to equipping emergency services with advanced firefighting and rescue machinery. He also urged industrialists and business owners to implement proactive fire safety measures to prevent devastating incidents.
Shah proposed forming a task force with representatives from the government, civic agencies, industrialists, and businessmen to ensure compliance with fire safety laws. He highlighted the importance of industries and multi-storeyed buildings adopting robust fire safety protocols, especially in a city like Karachi, which has witnessed repeated fire disaster. Ahmed Azeem Alvi, President of the SITE Association of Industry, suggested integrating fire safety education into school and vocational curricula, enabling future generations to handle emergencies effectively. He also recommended financial incentives for small businesses to adopt fire safety measures. Similarly, Junaid Naqi, President of the Korangi Association of Trade & Industry, proposed adopting Japan’s model of teaching disaster preparedness to students. “Industries must embrace modern safety laws and technology to protect their workforce,” Naqi said.
Rescue Commander Rehana Yasmeen highlighted the achievements of Rescue 1122 in managing over 700,000 medical emergencies and 22,000 road traffic accidents across Sindh. She announced plans for a motorcycle-based rescue service in Karachi to ensure rapid response in congested urban areas.
Rescue 1122 has also recruited 79 female responders to bridge the gender gap in emergency services. Mahboob Ali Shaikh, Commandant of the Federal Civil Defence Training School, urged citizens to keep first-aid kits at home and in vehicles to handle medical emergencies. He noted that the school has been offering free disaster training to volunteers since 1950. Imran Taj, President of the Fire Protection Industry of Pakistan, stressed the need for strict adherence to fire safety regulations in the construction sector.
NFEH officials Naeem Qureshi, Ruqiya Naeem, and Nadeem Ashraf called for stronger collaboration between private organizations, NGOs, and government agencies to modernize Karachi’s fire brigade and align industrial practices with international fire safety standards. At the convention, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah presented the 14th Fire Safety Awards to 45 companies for their exemplary performance in fire safety initiatives. The event also featured Faisal Zahid Malik, Chairman and Editor-In-Chief of Pakistan Observer, as a special guest.
The convention underscored the urgent need for Karachi’s public and private sectors to strengthen fire safety measures, ensuring the protection of lives and properties in a rapidly urbanizing city.
