From Millennium Mall to Gul Plaza, Karachi is once again being reminded of a troubling and recurring reality: major fires continue to break out across the city, exposing deep flaws in safety planning, building oversight, and emergency response systems. These incidents are not isolated accidents but part of a persistent pattern that reflects weak enforcement of safety regulations and long-standing institutional neglect.
Many commercial and residential buildings still operate with outdated infrastructure, inadequate fire exits, and little to no compliance with basic fire safety standards. Routine inspections are either irregular or treated as a formality, while emergency services often face challenges in accessing buildings quickly or responding effectively due to congestion, poor layouts, and a lack of preparedness.
Experts warn that without serious reforms, including modern fire safety systems, mandatory and transparent inspections, and strict penalties for violations, Karachi will continue to put lives, businesses, and livelihoods at risk. The repeated nature of these fires has renewed calls for accountability, stronger governance, and a citywide commitment to prioritising public safety before another tragedy unfolds.
