Karachi Sees Another Commercial Blaze Near Site of Last Month's Deadly Fire
KARACHI, Pakistan — Feb 2 — A fire engulfed a multi-story commercial building in Karachi's central business district on Monday, officials confirmed, sparking alarm as it occurred mere blocks from the site of last month's devastating blaze that killed over 40 people.
Provincial government spokesperson Sukhdev Assardas Hemnani stated that firefighting teams were deployed immediately and are working to contain the flames. No casualties have been reported so far, but the incident has reignited public scrutiny over fire safety regulations and enforcement in Pakistan's largest city.
The location of the latest fire—in a densely packed area known for mixed-use buildings—highlights persistent risks. Last month's tragedy, which involved a factory with reported locked exits, prompted official pledges of stricter inspections. Today's event suggests systemic vulnerabilities remain unaddressed.
Analysts note that Karachi's rapid, often unregulated urban expansion has outpaced safety infrastructure, leaving many commercial structures without adequate fire suppression systems or emergency exits. The recurrence of fires in proximate areas raises questions about the effectiveness of recent crackdowns.
Voices from the Community
"This is heartbreaking but not surprising," said Ali Raza, a local shopkeeper whose store was damaged in last month's fire. "We keep hearing about 'lessons learned,' but nothing changes on the ground. How many more lives must be lost before real action is taken?"
Sophia Khan, an urban safety researcher at Karachi University, offered a measured perspective: "While the proximity is concerning, we must await the investigation's findings. However, this does underscore the urgent need for a city-wide audit of electrical wiring and occupancy codes—preventive measures are far cheaper than disaster response."
More sharply, David Chen, a logistics manager working nearby, reacted with frustration: "It's sheer negligence. The authorities are asleep at the wheel. After last month's horror, there should have been daily patrols and mandatory upgrades. Instead, we get another blaze. Who's being held accountable? No one."
Reporting by Ariba Shahid in Karachi; Editing by Alison Williams.