KARACHI: In a major crackdown against fire safety negligence, the district administration has sealed 200 shops located on the first floor of Hashoo Centre, one of the city’s busiest commercial hubs.
The Raid and Violations The operation was led by the Assistant Commissioner and Mukhtiarkar, supported by a heavy contingent of police. During the inspection, officials found a complete lack of fire prevention measures. Authorities reported that there was no functional fire safety equipment, while the illegal storage of gas cylinders, chemical thinners, and other flammable materials on the floor posed a severe threat to public safety and could lead to a catastrophic incident.
A History of Non-Compliance This is not the first time Hashoo Centre has faced legal action. The market was previously sealed on February 3 and was later de-sealed after seven days on the strict condition that all fire safety measures would be implemented. Despite receiving multiple follow-up notices, the shopkeepers and market management failed to comply with the safety regulations, leading to today’s decisive action.
Official Stance Police and district administration officials emphasized that there will be no compromise on human lives. Officials stated that the market will remain sealed until all mandatory fire safety arrangements are fully installed and verified by the relevant authorities.
