91% Buildings in Sindh, Pakistan Lack Fire Safety; Government Seals High-Risk Ones
91.3% of buildings in Sindh lack fire safety, prompting government to seal high-risk structures.
An inspection by the Sindh government has revealed that 91.3 per cent of buildings in the province lack proper fire safety measures, Pakistani media reported on Friday. The findings come after the devastating fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza, which claimed nearly 80 lives and injured hundreds, prompting urgent safety reviews.
Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah stated that a total of 3,633 buildings were inspected across Sindh. Of these, 889 were identified as high-risk due to serious violations of fire safety regulations, while medium- and low-risk structures have been directed to rectify shortcomings immediately.
The government has begun sealing buildings deemed high-risk to prevent further disasters. Owners and management of non-compliant buildings have been instructed to submit fire safety compliance certificates within a specified timeline or face legal action under provincial safety laws.
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In parallel, Pakistan’s Capital Development Authority (CDA) found similar safety lapses in Islamabad. A survey of 6,500 buildings revealed that most lacked approved fire safety plans or completion certificates, including 300 government buildings, underscoring nationwide risks.
The CDA, acting under Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi’s directives, has ordered all building owners and occupants in Islamabad to submit fire safety and hazard control certificates within 15 days. Non-compliance will trigger enforcement under the CDA Ordinance and Islamabad Capital Territory Building Control Regulations 2020 (Amended 2023).
Authorities emphasized that these inspections and enforcement measures aim to prevent tragedies like Gul Plaza and improve public safety nationwide. The crackdown signals stricter monitoring and accountability for both public and private buildings in Pakistan.
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