Over 70% of Audited Buildings in Karachi Fail Fire Safety Standards

More than 70% of nearly 1,900 buildings inspected in Karachi since January have failed to meet required fire safety standards, according to findings presented at the fourth National Fire Safety Conference and Risk-Based Awards 2026, organized by the Fire Protection Association of Pakistan (FPAP). The results raise serious concerns about the safety of thousands of people who live and work in the city's commercial and residential structures.

Rescue 1122 Chief Operating Officer Abid Jalal said around 1,900 buildings underwent fire safety audits this year, with over 70% found to have deficiencies in their safety arrangements. He said the results point to serious weaknesses in how building safety regulations are enforced, despite a series of major fire incidents in the city. Jalal called for revisions to the 2016 building code and the creation of a dedicated technical body responsible for fire safety standards, inspections and compliance.

Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan said Karachi recorded approximately 160 fire incidents in the past two weeks alone. He highlighted the difficulties firefighters face, including encroachments, narrow roads and delays in reporting emergencies. Referring to the Gul Plaza fire, he said the central fire station was informed nearly 26 minutes after the blaze began, even though videos of the incident were already circulating on social media. He criticized the tendency to record fires instead of immediately alerting emergency services, warning that such delays can hamper rescue operations.

Khan added that the number of fire stations in Karachi has increased from 22 to 28, while the department currently operates eight snorkels and 52 water bowzers. The figures suggest some improvement in firefighting capacity, though officials indicate that enforcement and public awareness remain weak links in the city's overall safety framework.

FPAP President Kanwar Waseem stressed the need for preventive safety measures, including working fire alarms, sprinklers, extinguishers and accessible emergency exits in buildings. He also called for practical fire safety training for employees, students and building occupants to improve emergency preparedness.

The conference findings underscore a widening gap between safety rules on paper and conditions on the ground in Pakistan's largest city. Officials say closing that gap will require stronger inspections, updated regulations and broader public awareness about reporting fires promptly rather than filming them.