A citywide fire safety awareness campaign was launched in Karachi on Sunday to highlight safety risks and encourage responsible action. The campaign, called the Hamara Karachi Movement, began with a street assembly focused on fire safety in a busy commercial area. Organizers said the aim is to prevent future accidents by fixing basic safety issues.
The launch took place at Denso Hall Walking Street and was led by architect Yasmeen Lari. The campaign follows the Gul Plaza fire, which raised fresh concerns about fire safety in the city.
The event was organized with support from Heritage Foundation Pakistan, the Institute of Architects Pakistan, and the Association of Consulting Engineers Pakistan.
During the street assembly, participants checked nearby buildings and the Medicine Market area. They found several problems, including weak structures, blocked emergency exits, unsafe electrical wiring, and no clear evacuation plans. Organizers said such issues are common in many commercial areas but are often ignored.
The program began with a fire drill, followed by a Quran recitation and brief remarks. A technical presentation then explained the main fire risks in the area and suggested practical steps to improve safety.
Senior engineer Farooq Mehboob shared findings from surveys carried out in the area. He stressed the need for open emergency routes, working fire alarm systems, better exit planning, safer use of electricity, and regular fire drills for shopkeepers and residents.
