On Tuesday, the distinguished architect Arif Hassan appeared before the judicial commission investigating the devastating fire that engulfed the Gul Plaza shopping mall in Karachi. His testimony shed light on the numerous fire safety deficiencies and regulatory oversights that may have contributed to the scale of the disaster. The commission, led by Justice Agha Faisal, pressed Hassan on the issue of illegal constructions and their regularization during the early 2000s, particularly between 2003 and 2005.
Justice Faisal questioned whether fire safety considerations were adequately addressed when these unauthorized structures were regularized. Hassan responded by emphasizing that the regularization process often encompasses a wide range of issues, but it ultimately falls upon the architect to ensure that safety measures are integrated into the building’s design. He stressed that merely complying with the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) regulations is insufficient to guarantee comprehensive fire protection.
Expanding on the safety shortcomings, Hassan lamented the absence of essential fire detection and prevention systems in many major shopping centers, including Gul Plaza. He pointed out that the presence of alarm systems alone does not suffice; regular fire drills and emergency preparedness training are equally crucial to minimize casualties during such incidents. Hassan, clear and visible fire exit maps, along with unobstructed emergency exits, are vital components that must be strictly enforced.
Furthermore, Hassan highlighted the necessity of having fire extinguishers on every floor, as mandated by safety regulations, and the installation of water spray nozzles throughout the premises to control and suppress fires effectively. He underscored the importance of routine maintenance to ensure that all fire safety equipment remains operational at all times. Without consistent upkeep, these life-saving devices can fail when they are needed most.
In addition to technical measures, Hassan advocated for increased public awareness and training programs to better prepare citizens for fire emergencies. He suggested incorporating fire safety education into school curricula to equip children with the knowledge and skills required to respond appropriately during a fire. Such initiatives, he argued, could significantly reduce panic and improve evacuation outcomes in critical situations.
Hassan also addressed structural safety, recommending the use of fire-resistant doors and walls, especially in industrial settings, to prevent the rapid spread of flames. He criticized the current state of fire hydrants in Karachi, many of which are non-functional, and proposed that water supply issues could be mitigated by drilling boreholes at building sites to ensure adequate water availability for firefighting purposes.
Justice Agha Faisal raised concerns about the SBCA’s regulations, noting that the authority’s laws prohibit monitoring of buildings after their completion. Hassan countered that while ongoing surveillance may be limited, the building authorities should still have the power to act promptly if complaints arise regarding illegal construction or safety violations. The commission also discussed the dangers posed by multi-story buildings erected on small plots, particularly in informal settlements like Katchi Abadis, where structural integrity is often compromised.
Justice Faisal recalled the tragic collapse of a four-story building in Soldier Bazaar, which was constructed on a mere 35-yard plot, highlighting the risks associated with such developments. He further criticized the prevalence of falsified government surveys and the failure to learn from past disasters, including the infamous Baldia Factory fire, which exposed systemic negligence in enforcing safety standards.
The Gul Plaza fire broke out on the night of January 17, rapidly engulfing the commercial complex located on M.A. Jinnah Road. The inferno trapped numerous individuals inside and raged uncontrollably for more than 32 hours before firefighters managed to bring it under control. This catastrophic event exposed glaring weaknesses in Karachi’s emergency response capabilities and underscored the urgent need for reforms in fire safety regulations and enforcement mechanisms.
As the judicial commission continues its inquiry, the testimony of experts like Arif Hassan plays a crucial role in identifying the root causes of such disasters and recommending measures to prevent future tragedies. The hope remains that these findings will prompt authorities to strengthen building codes, improve monitoring systems, and enhance public awareness to safeguard lives and property across the city.
