Fire Safety Audit Exposes Major Gaps in Karachi Buildings

A fire safety audit of 266 buildings located on Karachi’s major arteries—II Chundrigar Road, Shahrah-e-Faisal, and Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam—has revealed alarming safety deficiencies. Conducted on January 1, 2024, the audit found that only six buildings met proper fire safety standards, while its recommendations remain largely unimplemented even in 2026. According to a report by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, more than 200 buildings lacked basic firefighting equipment, 62 percent had no emergency exits, and 70 percent were fitted with substandard electrical wiring. Only 90 buildings had fire alarms or smoke detectors. Despite recommendations for action by deputy commissioners, SBCA, and residents, minimal follow-up has occurred, raising serious concerns about urban safety.