Karachi: A fire safety audit conducted across Karachi has uncovered widespread non-compliance with basic fire safety standards, with only 47% of inspected buildings found to be substantially compliant with regulations.
The audit, ordered by the Sindh government following the deadly Gul Plaza fire on M.A. Jinnah Road in January, assessed 783 commercial and residential buildings across the city’s seven districts. The survey evaluated compliance with approved building layouts, emergency exits, fire extinguishers and overall fire risk.
According to the consolidated report, 370 buildings showed substantial compliance, while 298 were partially compliant and 115 were classified as non-compliant.
The audit found that 408 buildings lacked approved layouts, 455 were not constructed according to approved plans, 416 had no emergency exits and 310 lacked portable fire extinguishers. Overall, 239 buildings were identified as high risk.
District Central recorded the highest number of high-risk buildings at 103, followed by District South with 65. In contrast, Keamari reported the strongest overall compliance, while Korangi recorded the highest number of substantially compliant buildings.
Officials said deviations from approved building plans often result in blocked access routes and inadequate compartmentalisation, increasing evacuation risks during emergencies. The findings have highlighted the need for stricter enforcement of fire safety regulations and improvements in emergency preparedness across the city.
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