City Mayor Murtaza Wahab has said that it is preposterous to blame Karachi's civic bodies for Saturday's deadly fire incident at a shopping mall within the administrative jurisdiction of the Cantonment Board Faisal CBF.
He clarified that the CBF staff did not respond to extinguish the fire; instead, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Fire Brigade and the Sindh government's Rescue 1122 were the first responders who put out the blaze and rescued people from the mall.
Wahab pointed out that the map of the building, where the fire broke out, had been approved and regularised by the CBF, which also collects tax and revenue from the area.
Despite being under the jurisdiction of the CBF, police lodged an FIR against the KMC Fire Brigade and Rescue 1122. Wahab sarcastically commended the police for their efficiency in filing an FIR against the very departments that saved the lives of 45 people.
Wahab made these remarks while speaking to media representatives after inaugurating the Safari Park Zipline. Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad, PPP Central District General Secretary Dil Muhammad, and other leaders were also present.
The city mayor invited the people of Karachi to enjoy the newly activated international-style zipline with their children. He shared his personal enjoyment of flying through the zipline and reiterated his commitment to the development and prosperity of Karachi.
Read 11 perish in Karachi mall blaze
Highlighting the transformation of Safari Park, which was in disrepair in 2015-16, Wahab recalled a law enforcement raid during which many items were recovered. He emphasised the city's aim to create an environment where families can easily leave their homes, enjoy scenic views, and partake in recreational activities in a peaceful setting.
The city mayor insisted that the entire responsibility for the fire at the shopping mall should not be placed solely on the KMC. He stressed the need to determine the administrative control of the relevant organisation in the area.
Published in The Express Tribune, December 27th, 2023.
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