Issues three-day ultimatum for installation of fire safety systems; non-compliance may result in closure
Preliminary results suggest that gas escaped and accumulated inside a closed room, creating a combustible environment. PHOTO: PIXABAY
The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) on Tuesday decided to strengthen fire safety compliance across Karachi, issuing advisories to all shopping malls and making working fire-fighting equipment mandatory in the wake of the deadly Gul Plaza fire.
SBCA Additional Director General Farhan Qaiser said Express news that the authority had started issuing advisories to all small and big shopping malls in Karachi.
“Fire safety systems must be in place. Fire-fighting equipment must be installed within three days; otherwise, these malls will be sealed,” he said, adding that the district authorities have been instructed to strictly implement the guidelines and non-compliance will result in sealing of the premises.
He said authorities have ordered all centers to submit reports confirming the availability of fire safety systems in their premises. Buildings without such systems have been instructed to install the required equipment immediately.
Read: Gul Plaza fire death toll rises to 28 as DNA tests begin to identify victims
The move follows the catastrophic third-degree fire that ravaged Gul Plaza on Saturday evening, killing at least 28 people, injuring dozens and leaving more than 75 missing.
The sprawling shopping complex, initially approved for 500 stores, ultimately housed nearly 1,400 establishments, employing approximately 7,500 workers and receiving up to 100,000 visitors per day. According to officials, basic fire safety equipment was virtually non-existent.
More than 1,000 stores were destroyed in the fire, with economic losses estimated at 2-2.5 billion rupees per store and around 100 billion rupees in total. Authorities say the human toll could rise further due to the high number of missing people.
A letter was also sent to the municipal administration, asking it to implement fire safety audits conducted by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation. Builders who failed to implement adequate safety measures were also given three days to comply.
Authorities stressed that enforcement efforts were essential in the interest of public safety.
Commenting on the matter, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said in an article on X that fire safety audits were conducted today in six buildings in the southern and eastern districts.
He urged building owners to ensure proper fire safety arrangements in their premises.
Based on the fire safety audit of various buildings carried out by KMC, SBCA started taking action. A letter with a list of non-compliant buildings was sent to ABAD. Today, the visit to 6 buildings in the East and South districts is also underway. pic.twitter.com/Y0hx5IdywM
– Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui (@murtazawahab1) January 20, 2026
