Rimpa Plaza temporarily sealed, declared unsafe after Gul Plaza fire damages structural columns

The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has declared the adjacent Rimpa Plaza structurally unsafe in the aftermath of the devastating fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi with authorities issuing official notices to the management and shop owners, along with temporarily sealing the building last night to prevent any use of the damaged areas.

According to SBCA officials, debris from Gul Plaza damaged several structural columns of Rimpa Plaza, creating significant safety risks for both life and property. As a precaution, all affected sections of the building have been prohibited from use until structural repairs are completed under the supervision of a certified engineer.

Concrete jacketing — a specialised technical process aimed at restoring the load-bearing capacity of weakened columns — has already begun, with additional steel reinforcement and structural strengthening measures being implemented.

SBCA emphasised that the building will only be reopened after a full safety clearance is issued following comprehensive structural assessments and non-destructive testing. Any unauthorised use of the premises before official clearance will result in strict legal action under the Sindh Building Control regulations.

SBCA checks 35 buildings for fire safety

Meanwhile, the SBCA has launched a province-wide drive to ensure strict compliance with fire safety laws in residential and commercial buildings. At least 35 buildings have been checked in Karachi in the first phase.

On the directives of Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, fire safety notices have been issued across all regions of Sindh, making it clear that the action is not limited to Karachi alone. SBCA regional offices have been instructed to inspect buildings and take strict legal action in cases of non-compliance to safeguard lives and property.

SBCA Director General Muzammil Hussain Halepoto said special technical teams have been constituted to assess the availability and functionality of firefighting equipment, emergency exits, fire alarm systems, and overall emergency preparedness. He said inspections have been intensified following the tragic Gul Plaza fire, which exposed serious shortcomings in fire safety arrangements in both residential and commercial buildings.

According to the DG, inspections of 35 buildings in various parts of Karachi have already been completed in the initial phase. Where fire safety measures were found to be faulty or non-functional, corrective notices have been issued to building owners, builders, and managements.

He warned that failure to install firefighting equipment and complete safety measures within the stipulated time would result in the sealing of buildings and other strict legal action. Halepoto stressed that ensuring fire safety is a joint responsibility of builders, owners, and unions, and negligence would not be tolerated.

He added that fire safety notices are also being issued to 266 buildings identified in the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) survey, along with other key residential and commercial structures. Recalling that similar directives were issued by KMC in January 2024, which were not effectively implemented, he said SBCA has now formally moved to enforce compliance.

Halepeto said the SBCA, in coordination with KMC and Civil Defence, is strengthening fire safety systems across Sindh, adding that inspections and enforcement actions will continue to prevent tragedies in the future and ensure public safety.