Over 70% of Buildings Fail Fire Safety Checks in Karachi

More than 70% of almost 1, 900 buildings inspected in Karachi since January have failed to meet required fire safety standards, raising serious worries regarding the safety of thousands of occupants.

Key points

• The findings were shared during the fourth National Fire Safety Conference and Risk-Based Awards 2026, organized by the Fire Protection Association of Pakistan (FPAP).
• Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan remarked Karachi had noted approximately 160 fire incidents previously two weeks alone.
• Former Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Operations Director Imdad Siddiqui identified poor policy implementation and subdued coordination between institutions as major challenges in disaster management.
• Former Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Javed Bilwani triggered concern regarding inadequate firefighting infrastructure in commercial and industrial areas.
• While the department at present had eight snorkels and 52 water bowzers, khan continued that the number of fire stations in Karachi had climbed from 22 to 28.

Meanwhile, the findings were shared during the fourth National Fire Safety Conference and Risk-Based Awards 2026, organized by the Fire Protection Association of Pakistan (FPAP).

Rescue 1122 Chief Operating Officer Abid Jalal made public that around 1, 900 buildings had undergone fire safety audits this year, with more than 70% identified to have deficiencies in their safety arrangements. Rawalpindi to Obtain 7 Women-Only Pink Bazaars.

He remarked the findings highlighted serious weaknesses in the enforcement of building safety regulations despite a number of major fire incidents in the city.

Jalal pressed revisions to the 2016 building code and the establishment of a dedicated technical body responsible for fire safety standards, inspections, and compliance.

Meanwhile, Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan remarked Karachi had noted approximately 160 fire incidents previously two weeks alone.

He highlighted a number of challenges faced by firefighters, including encroachments, narrow roads, and delays in reporting emergencies.

Referring to the Gul Plaza fire, Khan remarked the central fire station was informed almost 26 minutes after the blaze began, even though videos of the incident were already circulating on social media.

He criticized the practice of recording fires instead of immediately informing emergency services, saying such delays could affect rescue operations.

FPAP President Kanwar Waseem stressed the need for preventive safety measures, including functional fire alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers, and accessible emergency exits in buildings.

He additionally called on practical fire safety training for employees, students, and building occupants to improve emergency preparedness.

Former Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Javed Bilwani triggered concern regarding inadequate firefighting infrastructure in commercial and industrial areas. Goods Transporters Drop Freight Rates by 5%.

He asserted that Karachi contributed approximately 54% of Pakistan's exports and 67% of tax revenues, yet a number of industrial estates and markets, including McLeod Road, lacked essential fire hydrants.

Hussain Habib Corporation CEO Fawad Bari additionally emphasized the importance of basic fire safety education, particularly teaching children how to evacuate buildings safely and respond to emergencies.

Notably, the conference additionally discussed lessons from the Gul Plaza and PIMS fire tragedies, with participants calling for stronger enforcement of safety regulations and greater public awareness. Stay Connected with ProPakistani. Obtain the latest news and stories wherever you prefer. Follow on Google Discover. Follow on Google News Join WhatsApp. See more ProPakistani stories in Google Search and Top Stories.

In short, over 70% of Buildings Fail Fire Safety Checks in Karachi is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.