KARACHI: Advisor to the Chief Minister of Sindh on Rehabilitation Gianchand Israni expressing concern over the increasing number of fire incidents in the megacity has urged the citizens, business community and building managers to ensure efficient fire safety arrangements in the commercial and residential projects, keep emergency exit routes clear and functional, along with regularly checking the fire safety equipment.
He noted that in the first month of 2026, 225 fire incidents were reported in Karachi, with 83 casualties including 2 children and 8 women, and injuries to 24 persons. This has raised serious concerns about the increasing fire risks in the megacity.
Israni said all relevant institutions/ agencies have been directed to make emergency response more efficient. He said that the Sindh government is also working on awareness campaigns, training programs and capacity building of rescue agencies so that such incidents can be dealt with effectively in the future.
The Advisor recalled that amongst the recent fire incidents in the city, the heartbreaking one was of the Gul Plaza Shopping Mall where several people were trapped in the building.
Rescue 1122 teams and fire fighters reached the spot in time and started search and rescue and fire fighting operations, and brought the fire under control after a long struggle, and many citizens were rescued safely.
Israni said that according to the data, the highest number of fire incidents was reported in District Central with 30, while 18 each were reported in Saddar, Sohrab Goth and Gulberg.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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