Pakistan launches three-phase fire safety audit across government and commercial sites
Iain Hoey
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Pakistan audit ordered for 2,368 buildings
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah ordered a province-wide fire safety audit covering major government, private and commercial buildings, with 2,368 buildings identified for an initial inspection phase.
Business Recorder reported that the order was issued during a high-level meeting at the CM House attended by provincial ministers, advisers and senior officials including Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and Sindh Building Control Authority Director General (SBCA DG) Muzammel Halepoto.
Shah said a thorough audit of key buildings is no longer optional: “All commercial, private, and government buildings must be equipped with modern fire prevention systems.”
Scope, locations and compliance approach
The initial audit phase covers 2,368 buildings across the province.
The distribution listed in the meeting record was Sukkur 898, Karachi 562, Hyderabad 540, Shaheed Benazirabad (SBA) 171, Larkano 143 and Mirpurkhas 54.
Shah approved a three-phase implementation plan with a phased timeline for compliance.
Shah said: “The initiative aims to institutionalise safety protocols and better protect public life and property.”
Measures, enforcement and building use restrictions
Immediate inspection measures include checks of fire alarm panels, portable extinguishers and emergency signage.
Short-term measures include installing and operationalising smoke detectors, central alarm systems and hydrants.
Long-term measures include complete rectification of electrical wiring and installing automatic fire suppression systems.
Shah directed the chief secretary to ensure SBCA and Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) teams meet building management and set timeframes for immediate, short-term, medium-term and long-term measures, with action planned for non-compliance.
Shah said basements and mezzanines approved for parking will be used only for that purpose and not for shops, cabinets or godowns.
The meeting also approved resuming annual safety inspections of commercial buildings that were discontinued years ago.
Shah said: “Electrical and other inspections, including emergency exit and entry points, etc., will be ensured through inspections.”