Karachi calamity prompts fire safety audit of Hyd high-rises

The Hyderabad district administration has directed immediate measures to ensure the safety of public life and property following the Gul Plaza fire tragedy in Karachi. Deputy Commissioner Zain-ul-Abideen Memon ordered comprehensive fire safety audits of all government and private high-rise buildings, shopping malls, plazas and other commercial centres across the district.

According to an official order, joint fire safety audit teams have been formed at the taluka level under the supervision of the municipal commissioner. Upon completion of the audit, reports will be prepared and shared with the concerned building owners, institutions, administrations and trade unions. A one-week deadline will be given for compliance with the recommendations, failing which legal action will be taken against those found endangering public safety.

Sources said that over the past two decades, residential plots in Hyderabad had been allegedly converted into commercial properties with the connivance of relevant authorities, including the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and other approving departments. High-rise buildings were allowed in congested localities without ensuring the availability of essential facilities. Although approved building plans included mandatory conditions for parking spaces, emergency exits and fire safety measures, these were rarely implemented on ground. As a result, most plazas, markets and shopping malls in the city lack proper parking facilities, with designated parking areas converted into shops or warehouses.