Issues three-day ultimatum for installation of fire safety systems; Failure to comply may result in closure.
Preliminary findings suggest that a gas leak and buildup had occurred within a closed room, creating a combustible environment. PHOTO: PIXABAY
The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) on Tuesday took steps to strengthen fire safety compliance across Karachi, issuing notices to all shopping malls and making functional firefighting equipment mandatory after the deadly Gul Plaza fire.
SBCA Additional Director General Farhan Qaiser said The express news that the authority had started issuing notices to all big and small shopping malls in Karachi.
“Fire safety systems must be in place. Fire-fighting equipment must be installed within three days, failing which these malls will be sealed,” he said, adding that district officials had been instructed to strictly enforce the directives and non-compliance would result in sealing of the premises.
He said the authority has directed all centers to submit reports confirming the availability of fire safety systems in their facilities. Buildings lacking such systems have been ordered to immediately install the necessary equipment.
Read: Gul Plaza fire death toll rises to 28 as DNA testing begins to identify victims
The move comes after the catastrophic third-degree fire that devastated Gul Plaza on Saturday night, killing at least 28 people, injuring dozens and leaving more than 75 missing.
The sprawling shopping complex, originally approved for 500 stores, eventually housed nearly 1,400 stores, employed around 7,500 workers and received a daily influx of up to 100,000 visitors. Basic fire safety equipment, officials said, was virtually nonexistent.
More than 1,000 shops were destroyed by the fire, with economic losses estimated between 2 and 2,500 million rupees per store and around 100 billion rupees in total. Authorities say the toll could rise further due to the high number of people missing.
A letter was also sent to the municipal administration, urging it to implement fire safety audits conducted by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation. Builders who have not implemented adequate safety measures have also been given three days to comply.
Authorities emphasized that the law enforcement campaign was essential in the interest of public safety.
Commenting on the matter, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said in a post on
He urged building owners to ensure adequate fire safety measures in their premises.
Based on the fire safety audit conducted by KMC on several buildings, SBCA has started taking action. A letter with a list of non-compliant buildings has been sent to ABAD. Today we also visit 6 buildings in the East and South districts. pic.twitter.com/Y0hx5IdywM
— Murtaza Wahab Siddiqui (@murtazawahab1) January 20, 2026
