Prominent figures from Karachi’s construction, business, and industrial sectors have issued a joint call for a social boycott of retail outlets that operate illegally in residential buildings and violate fire safety regulations.
According to a statement issued today, the appeal was made during a panel discussion at the 15th Annual Fire Safety and Security Convention 2025, organized by the National Forum for Environment and Health (NFEH). The session brought together leaders from the Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) and representatives of the city”s major industrial zones.
In his inaugural address as the convention”s chief guest, Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Rehan Hanif announced that the chamber has published new fire prevention guidelines, now accessible on its website, for businesses and industries.
Hanif stated that Karachi, as Pakistan”s primary economic and industrial hub, must lead the nation in implementing the most stringent fire safety and emergency response systems in its factories, commercial centers, and high-rise buildings. He urged government bodies, civic agencies, and industrial associations to form public-private partnerships to strengthen the city”s emergency response infrastructure.
Representing ABAD, Senior Vice-Chairman Syed Afzal Hameed declared he would ‘not hesitate to condemn even fellow builders’ who convert residential properties for commercial use without adequate fire safety measures. He described a social boycott of such hazardous establishments as the most effective method to curb unsafe practices.
Hameed called on authorities to take strict punitive measures against the unauthorized commercialization of residential premises and encouraged citizens to report such violations directly to ABAD. He also highlighted the necessity of enforcing the Sindh Condominium Act, 2014, advocating for licensed professional maintenance agencies to manage multi-storey buildings instead of untrained residents” unions to ensure functional fire safety systems and alternative exits.
Ahmed Azeem Alvi, President of the SITE Association of Industry, proposed that emergency preparedness and disaster management be integrated into school curricula. He noted that the SITE Association has already established trained response teams and equipped factories with fire tenders to safeguard industrial units in the area.
Muhammad Ikram Rajput, President of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), pledged full cooperation with authorities to arrange fire safety training for industrial workers and uphold proper fire protection standards among its member industries.
Dr. Imran Taj, President of the Fire Protection Industry of Pakistan (FPIP), revealed plans for a specialized training academy on the National Highway to train emergency personnel to international standards. He also stressed the importance of strictly enforcing the Building Code of Pakistan for high-rise projects and announced that FPIP and NFEH will soon organize a city-wide “Safety Week” to raise awareness.
Fire safety expert Saeed Jadoon called for unified action from all municipal and land-owning authorities, including the KMC, cantonment boards, and DHA, to enforce fire safety compliance across all building types.
NFEH General-Secretary Ruqiya Naeem asserted that retail stores should not be permitted on the ground floors of residential towers without proper emergency exits and firefighting equipment.
NFEH Vice-President Nadeem Ashraf urged industries to upgrade their emergency systems to international standards, noting that such compliance could improve access to export markets.
NFEH President Muhammad Naeem Qureshi remarked that the annual convention has served for 14 years as a crucial platform for dialogue among stakeholders to foster a safety culture in urban and industrial environments.
Other speakers at the event included M. Aamir Nadeem, Anas Hammad, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mohsin Aman, and Tariq Ali Nizamani.