The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has started a strict, province wide drive to enforce fire safety rules across Sindh. The campaign is not limited to Karachi and will cover all regions of the province.
On the directions of Provincial Minister for Local Government Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, notices have been issued in every SBCA region. Building owners and managements have been warned to follow fire safety laws without delay. SBCA offices have been ordered to carry out inspections and take action against buildings that do not meet safety standards.
Director General SBCA, Muzammil Hussain Halepoto, said special technical teams have been formed for inspections. These teams are checking firefighting equipment, emergency exits, and fire alarm systems in both residential and commercial buildings. Their job is to ensure that safety systems are not only installed but also working properly.
The inspection drive was made stronger after the tragic fire incident at Gul Plaza, which revealed serious safety failures. So far, 35 buildings in Karachi have already been inspected in the first phase. Officials are checking emergency exits, fire alarms, firefighting systems, and overall emergency readiness.
Where problems are found, SBCA is issuing correction notices to owners and builders. The Director General warned that if safety systems are not installed within the given time, strict legal action will be taken, including sealing of buildings.
He also reminded that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) had already issued fire safety instructions in 2024, but many buildings failed to follow them.
SBCA is now working with Civil Defence and KMC to strengthen fire safety across Sindh. Authorities say inspections will continue to protect lives, property, and prevent future tragedies.