Pakistan’s Rawalpindi faces a fire safety nightmare, where over 160 tall buildings see just one meeting official standards. This critical lapse was exposed after the catastrophic Karachi Gul Plaza blaze that killed 71.
Maryam Nawaz, Punjab’s CM, launched the high-rise inspections following the incident, focusing on hydrants and compliance in high-risk zones. Reassessments have led to tough enforcement orders.
Media spotlighted the exceptional building, fully fitted with hydrants, exits, alarms, sensors, sprinklers, and expert staff for swift evacuations. Sibghat Ullah from Rescue 1122 confirmed robust local firefighting assets—19 vehicles, 300+ personnel—but highlighted persistent owner negligence.
Essential mandates cover stairwells, hydrants inside and out, clear pathways, extinguishers, alerts, and periodic exercises. Progressive penalties include 127 initial warnings, 82 follow-ups, 16 severe notices, and two final ultimatums threatening shutdowns.
In Karachi, the seventh-day search yielded more grim finds, confirming 71 fatalities. With 77 unaccounted for, teams race against time under Deputy Commissioner Khoso’s oversight, aiming for Friday night completion. The rapid-spreading fire from January 17 remains a stark warning for urban Pakistan.