Karachi: The Karachi city administration has decided to develop a dedicated mobile application to centralise fire safety data of commercial buildings, shopping centres, and large public venues, aiming to improve emergency response and coordination among relevant agencies.
The decision was taken in a high-level meeting chaired by Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi, which reviewed progress on the ongoing fire safety audit of commercial buildings across the city.
Officials said the planned app will serve as a central platform integrating data from all departments involved in disaster management and fire safety. In emergency situations, rescue agencies will be able to access real-time information on a building’s safety arrangements and facilities through a digital dashboard, enabling quicker and more coordinated response.
The meeting was informed that Sub-Divisional Fire Safety Audit Committees, operating under assistant commissioners and established on the directives of Chief Secretary Syed Asif Hyder Shah, are conducting surveys of commercial buildings, shopping centres, and major public facilities across Karachi.
So far, more than 800 buildings have been surveyed. Officials said data from these inspections has been uploaded to a Fire Safety Audit Portal, including details of fire safety provisions and disaster response arrangements. Notices have been issued to non-compliant buildings, directing them to address deficiencies without delay.
Briefing the meeting, PDMA system analyst Diyal Das Rathore said the committees have continued updating the portal with inspection data, while non-compliant structures are being formally served notices.
Participants also discussed expanding the portal with additional data to further strengthen emergency response capabilities. Officials said this integrated system would help rescue teams act more efficiently during fires and other emergencies.
The commissioner directed authorities to expedite the fire safety audit process. Relevant departments, including the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Chief Fire Officer, Rescue-1122, Civil Defence, and the Sindh Building Control Authority, were instructed to support the initiative and prioritise high-risk buildings.
Civil Defence has also been tasked with identifying and submitting a list of high-risk structures lacking adequate safety measures to ensure swift corrective action.
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