Karachi – Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has urged the installation of fire safety systems in buildings across the city, following a deadly blaze at Gul Plaza that has once again exposed serious gaps in urban safety standards.
The mayor spoke to reporters as rescue teams continued to clear debris from the damaged structure. He said the operation had made major progress and that officials had not recovered any new bodies so far. However, he stressed that authorities could confirm the final death toll only after completing the identification process.
The fire, which broke out earlier this week, has reignited public debate over poor safety compliance in Pakistan’s largest city, where commercial buildings often operate without basic fire protection.
Also Read: Karachi Mayor Rushes to Gul Plaza, Orders Speedy Search for Missing Persons
Rescue Operation Moves Toward Completion
Mayor Wahab said rescue teams have cleared nearly two-thirds of Gul Plaza. They have already searched the first and second floors in detail. Crews continue to examine the remaining areas to ensure no one remains trapped.
So far, we have cleared most of the building, Wahab said. We have not found additional bodies at this stage.
He added that officials have received complaints about 81 missing persons. This number reflects the deep fear among families who still await news about their relatives.
The mayor avoided giving a confirmed fatality figure. He said authorities would release accurate numbers after completing verification.
Identification of Victims Remains a Challenge
Authorities now face the difficult task of identifying recovered bodies. The intense heat damaged many bodies beyond visual recognition. As a result, families struggle to confirm the fate of loved ones.
I cannot share final numbers yet, Wahab told the media. By morning, we should know how many victims we have identified.
In past Karachi fires, officials have relied on DNA tests and dental records to confirm identities. These methods take time but remain essential for accuracy and dignity.
Building Authority Reviews Structural Safety
The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has started a full review of Gul Plaza’s structure and legal status. Engineers are checking whether the building met safety rules and construction codes.
Wahab confirmed that SBCA teams are working on site. Their findings will help determine responsibility for any violations.
Urban experts warn that illegal construction remains common in Karachi. Many owners add extra floors or block emergency exits without approval. Local surveys suggest that more than half of commercial buildings lack valid fire safety certification. This figure continues to alarm safety advocates.
Fire Safety Systems Must Become Mandatory
The mayor stressed that fire safety systems must become a standard requirement for all buildings, especially for plazas and high-rises.
Every building needs proper fire safety systems, Wahab said. We cannot treat this as optional anymore.
Such systems include fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers, and clear emergency exits. In many countries, law requires these features. In Karachi, weak enforcement has allowed unsafe buildings to operate for years.
The city has suffered from several deadly fires in the past. The 2012 Baldia Town factory fire killed at least 259 people. That tragedy remains one of Pakistan’s worst industrial disasters. Despite repeated promises, authorities have made slow progress on reform since then.
Nearby Rampa Plaza Declared Unsafe
In a related move, SBCA officials declared Rampa Plaza, a nearby building, unsafe after the Gul Plaza fire. They said falling debris damaged its supporting pillars.
The authority has issued notices to the building’s management and shop owners. It has also banned the use of the most dangerous sections of the structure.
Officials said these steps aim to prevent another tragedy. They also warned that fires can weaken surrounding buildings in crowded commercial zones like central Karachi.
A Wake-Up Call for Karachi’s Urban Safety
The Gul Plaza fire has once again highlighted the urgent need to improve building safety in Karachi. Rapid urban growth, weak oversight, and aging infrastructure have created serious risks for residents.
Rescue work continues, and investigations remain underway. Meanwhile, families of the missing face painful uncertainty.
One message from the mayor remains clear: without strict enforcement and modern fire safety systems, Karachi will continue to face preventable disasters.
