SBCA issues over 450 notices to commercial buildings over fire safety lapses

Directs owners to complete required measures within three days

KARACHI:

In the aftermath of the deadly Gul Plaza fire in Karachi, which has so far claimed 73 lives and left dozens missing, the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has moved to tighten fire safety compliance across Karachi by issuing notices to all commercial centres and making functional fire-fighting equipment mandatory.

The authority has issued more than 450 notices to the managements of commercial buildings after finding structures either without fire safety systems or with serious deficiencies.

A citywide fire audit of commercial buildings is under way across all districts of Karachi, the SBCA said. During the survey, several buildings were found lacking even basic fire prevention arrangements, prompting the authority to serve notices directing owners to complete required fire safety measures within three days.

The inspection revealed that in many buildings, fire safety equipment was either missing or non-functional. Emergency exits were absent in numerous high-rises, while in some cases, exits were locked or blocked, the survey found.

The inspection teams included SBCA’s special units along with personnel from the Fire Brigade. The authority warned that strict action would be taken against owners who fail to comply with the notices, including sealing buildings for non-compliance with fire safety regulations.

Read More: SBCA cracks down on fire safety in Karachi commercial centres after Gul Plaza blaze

Building owners and unions are required to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the Fire Brigade after completing the prescribed safety arrangements, with sealing carried out in coordination with the district administration if necessary.

According to the SBCA, builders will be given a reasonable timeframe to implement fire safety measures, and no one will be unnecessarily harassed. However, action will be taken against those who fail to complete the required work within the stipulated period.

SBCA Additional Director General Farhan Qaiser told The Express Tribune that notices have been issued to all small and large commercial centres in the city.

“Fire safety systems must be in place. Fire-fighting equipment must be installed within three days; otherwise, these commercial centres will be sealed,” he said, adding that district officials have been instructed to strictly enforce the directives.

He further stated that all centres have been directed to submit reports confirming the availability of fire safety systems on their premises. Buildings lacking such systems have been instructed to install the required equipment immediately.