Following the deadly fire at Gul Plaza, which highlighted severe flaws in fire safety protocols, an immediate city-wide fire audit of all commercial, industrial, and high-rise buildings has been demanded.
Pasban Democratic Party (PDP) General Secretary Iqbal Hashmi made the demand on Wednesday, stressing the need for strict adherence to international safety standards to prevent further loss of life.
The recent tragedy, which claimed several lives including that of firefighter Furqan, was cited as proof of the city’s inadequate safety arrangements. Mr. Hashmi stated that such incidents will continue to occur unless international fire safety measures are rigorously enforced in all buildings.
The PDP leader made a direct appeal to the Sindh government, municipal bodies, and the fire brigade, calling for the immediate initiation of a comprehensive fire audit. He emphasized that the findings of these inspections must be made public and that strict action should be taken against owners who violate safety regulations.
The demand also highlighted the need for better support for firefighting personnel. Mr. Hashmi advocated for enhanced training, improved equipment, and better salaries for firefighters to boost their capacity to handle major emergencies effectively.
Specific safety directives were also pointed out, including the requirement for all emergency exits in buildings to be kept clear and unobstructed. The party insists that fire prevention systems like smoke alarms and sprinklers must be fully functional, and electrical and ventilation installations must be maintained to reduce fire hazards.
Mr. Hashmi asserted that the Gul Plaza incident is proof that basic safety principles have been consistently ignored. He argued that if the building had clear escape routes, proper alarm systems, and effective sprinklers, the damage would not have been so severe.