Shopping malls, superstores and commercial plazas: Nasir Shah warns of legal action against management

KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Local Government, Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, on Wednesday, visited the Lines Area Parking Plaza, Jamia Cloth Market and the shopping malls located in Qayyumabad and reviewed fire and safety arrangements, emergency exit routes, and the overall security situation in the commercial buildings.

Commissioner Karachi, Syed Hassan Naqvi, and Director General of Karachi Development Authority, Asif Jan Siddiqui also accompanied him.

The Minister directed the officers on site to ensure the operational readiness of fire fighting systems, water reservoirs, fire alarms, emergency lights, and clearly accessible exit routes so that precious human lives can be protected in any emergency situation.

The Minister instructed the Commissioner Karachi and DG, KDA to conduct a comprehensive fire and safety audit of commercial buildings across the city, compile a report, and take immediate corrective measures wherever shortcomings are identified.

He further directed that building owners must be held accountable for compliance.

He said that legal action would be taken against the relevant administrations if full compliance with the fire and safety regulations was not ensured in shopping malls, superstores, and commercial plazas.

“Sindh Government is implementing a zero-tolerance policy to safeguard the lives and property of the citizens.”

He emphasized that emergency doors, staircases, and passageways must remain fully functional, open, and free from obstructions at all times to ensure the safe evacuation of the public during emergencies.

The Local Government Minister reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the monitoring system to ensure the safety of public-use buildings in the entire province of Sindh, particularly Karachi, adding that indiscriminate action would be taken in case of any negligence.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026