Karachi market fire

A devastating fire engulfed a major market in Karachi’s Saddar area late on Sunday night when the market was closed. Traders claim that 90% of the shops and warehouses have been completely destroyed leaving them financially shattered. Describing their condition as calamitous, they say the fire was so ferocious that it continued till Monday morning. Most shops and godowns in the market dealt in readymade garments and clothes. The KMC fire brigade, assisted by firefighters and vehicles from the navy, personnel from the civil administration and other rescue services put out the fire after several hours. The KMC administrator and the Karachi commissioner had been present during the firefighting and rescue operation.

The commissioner has said the cause of the fire can only be ascertained after investigations. He has also mentioned reports that an explosion preceded the fire. The affected traders have urged the government to help them financially in order to enable them to resume their businesses. The KMC administrator has expressed the suspicion that the fire might have been caused by electricity short circuiting, emphasising the need for securing electric fittings and ensuring fire safety measures in business establishments and other places, basing his assumptions that lack of proper safety equipment too were the reasons of fire. The Sindh chief minister has said a survey to evaluate the extent of damage and losses is being carried out, indicating that the provincial government intends to help the traders.

Fire in markets, shopping malls, commercial establishments and residences occur in all parts of the country causing huge losses. Given that prevention is better than cure, it is necessary to ensure that markets and buildings have proper fire-safety arrangements. There is also the need to make fire brigades and rescue services diverse in terms of gender so that women can be helped properly in emergency situations. Best fire-fighting practices should be adopted.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 17^th, 2021.

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