In the wake of the tragic Gul Plaza fire incident, the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has taken a major step to prevent similar disasters by issuing a three-day ultimatum for the installation of fire safety systems across Karachi.
According to reports, the SBCA has formally notified the relevant authorities in writing, directing immediate compliance with mandatory fire safety regulations. The authority has emphasized that all findings and recommendations from the fire safety audit conducted by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) must be implemented without delay.
SBCA officials stated that builders, property owners, and managements of commercial centers that have failed to adopt essential fire prevention measures have been granted a final deadline of three days. Authorities warned that this decision has been taken in the larger public interest to safeguard lives and property following the devastating Gul Plaza tragedy.
Also Read: Gul Plaza fire: Death toll hits 30, 85 missing in Karachi
As part of the enforcement drive, fire safety audits of six buildings were conducted in District South and District East on the same day. Notices are also being issued to commercial plazas and shopping centers, instructing them to install proper firefighting equipment, including fire extinguishers and alarm systems.
The SBCA made it clear that all commercial buildings must have functional fire safety systems within the stipulated timeframe. Any commercial facility found non-compliant after three days will face sealing and strict legal action under building safety laws.
Meanwhile, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab urged building owners to take fire safety seriously, stressing that negligence could lead to irreversible human losses. He called on stakeholders to cooperate with authorities to ensure Karachi’s buildings meet safety standards.
The decisive move by the SBCA marks a critical shift toward stricter enforcement of urban safety regulations, as authorities aim to prevent another tragedy like Gul Plaza.
