Karachi continues to face a serious public safety crisis as frequent fire incidents expose deep flaws in fire safety enforcement, emergency preparedness, and institutional accountability. Official data shows that over 2,400 fire incidents were reported across the city in 2025 alone, ranging from small blazes to deadly infernos that caused heavy loss of life and property.
The primary responsibility for firefighting lies with the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation Fire Brigade, with support from Rescue 1122, the Pakistan Navy, and other agencies during major emergencies. Despite the involvement of multiple institutions, devastating fires continue to occur regularly, raising questions about coordination and preparedness.
A familiar pattern follows every major incident. Allegations emerge that firefighters arrived late, allowing flames to spread rapidly. Authorities then deny responsibility, followed by the formation of inquiry committees, registration of FIRs, and promises of strict action. However, meaningful accountability rarely follows, and systemic failures remain unaddressed.
One of the most tragic examples is the Gul Plaza fire on MA Jinnah Road, which erupted late at night and quickly engulfed the entire building. After nearly 39 hours of firefighting, the blaze was controlled. So far, 28 bodies have been recovered, while dozens of families continue to search for missing loved ones. The incident has become one of the deadliest fires in Karachi in recent years.
This tragedy is part of a long list of similar disasters. Fires at shopping malls, factories, and markets over the past decade have claimed hundreds of lives, including the Baldia Town factory fire of 2012, where 259 workers were killed. More recent incidents in industrial areas and commercial centers show that lessons from past disasters remain ignored.
Experts point to several critical issues, including the over-reliance on water instead of firefighting foam, weak inspections, and poor enforcement of building safety laws. Alarmingly, Karachi has only 28 fire stations serving a population of nearly 35 million, a number widely seen as grossly inadequate.
Without structural reforms, modern equipment, and real accountability for both private owners and government institutions, Karachi’s fire tragedies are likely to continue, leaving citizens vulnerable and official promises unfulfilled.
