Are Over 91% of Buildings in Sindh Missing Fire Safety Measures?
Synopsis
In a shocking revelation, inspections have shown that over 91% of buildings in Sindh lack fire safety arrangements. Following a tragic incident in Karachi, the Sindh government is taking decisive action to seal high-risk buildings. Learn more about the implications and what measures are being implemented to ensure safety.
Key Takeaways
Over 91.3% of buildings in Sindh lack fire safety measures.
The Sindh government is sealing buildings identified as high-risk.
The inspections were initiated after the Gul Plaza fire incident.
Building owners have 15 days to comply with safety regulations.
Majority of buildings in Islamabad also lack fire safety certifications.
Islamabad, Feb 13 (NationPress) A recent evaluation carried out by the Sindh government committee has disclosed that 91.3% of buildings in the province are devoid of essential fire safety measures, as reported by Pakistani media on Friday.
In response, the government has opted to seal buildings identified as high-risk by the committee due to non-compliance with fire safety regulations in Sindh. This initiative follows a tragic fire incident at Karachi's Gul Plaza that resulted in the deaths of nearly 80 individuals, injured hundreds more, and inflicted financial damage on thousands, according to Pakistan's prominent daily, 'The Express Tribune.'
During a crucial meeting focused on fire safety on Thursday, Chief Secretary Asif Hyder Shah revealed that inspections were conducted in 3,633 buildings across Sindh. Out of these, 889 structures were classified as high-risk due to severe violations, prompting orders for medium- and low-risk building owners to rectify safety deficiencies.
Earlier this month, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) indicated that a significant number of buildings in Pakistan's capital, Islamabad, have not secured fire safety certifications.
The CDA undertook a survey examining fire safety and hazard management in Islamabad following the Gul Plaza fire incident. The survey encompassed 6,500 buildings, as reported by another leading Pakistani daily, 'Dawn.'
The CDA's findings revealed that the majority of buildings lacked approval for their fire safety plans and had not received completion/fire safety certifications. The survey also included assessments of 300 government buildings, according to a statement from the CDA, as reported by Dawn.
The official communication stated, "Federal Minister for Interior Mohsin Naqvi has taken notice and instructed the CDA to swiftly conduct a survey of all Islamabad buildings pertaining to Fire Safety and Hazard Control. Consequently, all pertinent departments, including Capital Emergency Services and the Building and Housing Control Wing, were directed to expedite the survey process. "
In the meeting, it was resolved that building owners and occupants must submit their Fire Safety and Hazard Control Certificates to the relevant offices of CDA’s Building and Housing Control Wing within 15 days; failure to comply will result in legal action under the CDA Ordinance and the Islamabad Capital Territory Building Control Regulations 2020 (Amended 2023).
Point of View
It is our duty to report on pressing issues that impact public safety. The alarming statistics regarding fire safety in Sindh underscore a significant oversight in building regulations. It is imperative that authorities act swiftly to ensure compliance and protect citizens from potential disasters.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of buildings in Sindh lack fire safety arrangements?
Over 91.3% of buildings in Sindh have been reported to lack fire safety arrangements.
What actions is the Sindh government taking?
The Sindh government plans to seal high-risk buildings that violate fire safety laws.
What prompted the inspections in Sindh?
The inspections were prompted by a tragic fire incident at Gul Plaza in Karachi.
How many buildings were inspected?
A total of 3,633 buildings were inspected across Sindh.
What are the consequences for non-compliance?
Building owners who fail to submit fire safety certificates within 15 days may face legal actions.
