A fire erupted on the seventh floor of Al-Najeebi Electronic Market in Saddar, Karachi. Rescue 1122 teams arrived promptly and began battling the flames. They also evacuated everyone trapped inside the building.
Officials confirmed that no one was injured, although several vehicles caught fire. Fortunately, the firefighters contained the blaze before it could spread to other floors. Meanwhile, the Karachi Mayor visited the site personally to oversee the emergency response. He later tweeted that the situation remained under control and that KMC fire tenders continued monitoring the building.
Authorities Mobilize Resources
Soon after the fire began, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah contacted the Karachi Mayor, city commissioner, and IG Police. He instructed authorities to prioritize human life over property. Additionally, he directed the police to manage the crowd to allow firefighters to work efficiently.
Moreover, the Chief Minister asked the Karachi Water and Sewerage Board (KWSB) to provide uninterrupted water supply. Emergency measures included activating nearby hydrants and sending water tankers to the site. As a result, firefighters received sufficient water to control the blaze quickly.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Saddar Liaquat Hiat reported that three vehicles suffered damage. However, all building occupants escaped safely. The coordinated efforts of municipal authorities, police, and rescue teams prevented a larger disaster.
Fire Safety Concerns in Karachi
Karachi frequently experiences fires in high-rise buildings, many of which lack proper firefighting systems. This fire occurred just weeks after the Gul Plaza blaze on January 17. That fire killed 79 people and destroyed 1,200 family-owned stores. Investigators found that the fire started in a flower shop and spread rapidly through air-conditioning ducts.
Additionally, the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) reported that 90 percent of buildings in Karachi’s eastern, central, and southern districts do not meet basic fire safety standards. Many structures have non-functional firefighting equipment, blocked or missing emergency exits, and weak evacuation plans.
Experts warn that these deficiencies put both residents and visitors at risk. Therefore, authorities must strengthen fire regulations and conduct regular inspections. In contrast to past incidents, swift action at Al-Najeebi prevented casualties. Finally, the fire serves as a reminder of the urgent need for preparedness, rapid response, and safety compliance to protect lives and property.
