In a shocking revelation from Rawalpindi, Punjab province, out of over 160 high-rise buildings, just one complies fully with government fire safety regulations. Local media reports highlight this glaring deficiency amid rising concerns over urban safety.
The findings come in the wake of the devastating fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza Mall, where the death toll has climbed to 71. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz ordered a comprehensive survey of high-rises and installation of fire hydrants in response. Authorities have re-evaluated sensitive areas and issued strict directives for compliance.
According to reports, only a single high-rise near the mall meets key standards, equipped with fire hydrants, emergency exits, alarms, detection systems, sprinklers, and a trained evacuation team capable of responding within a minute.
Rawalpindi’s Rescue 1122 District Emergency Officer Sibghat Ullah revealed that 19 fire vehicles and over 300 trained firefighters are stationed nearby, ready for any crisis. Mandatory requirements include emergency staircases, external hydrants, clear access paths, extinguishers, detection alarms, internal hydrants, sprinklers, and regular drills.
Enforcement actions are underway: 127 buildings received first notices, 82 got second notices, and 16 third notices. Two buildings face final notices, with recommendations to seal non-compliant structures.
Meanwhile, in Karachi, search operations at Gul Plaza continue into the seventh day since the January 17 blaze, one of the city’s worst in a decade. Additional remains have pushed the toll to 71, with 77 still missing. Officials expect to wrap up by Friday night, as debris sifting nears completion.