A devastating fire engulfed the bustling Iqbal Market situated on the main M.A. Jinnah Road near Jama Cloth Market in Karachi on Tuesday. According to authorities from the police, fire brigade, and rescue services, the inferno ravaged three shops entirely and partially damaged four others. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, and prompt evacuation measures were undertaken.
The shops, predominantly located on the ground floor, catered to various businesses, while the upper floors predominantly served residential purposes. The fire, believed to have originated from a ground-floor shop, quickly spread to adjacent stores, fueled by the presence of highly flammable substances.
Declared a third-degree blaze, firefighting efforts intensified with the arrival of over a dozen fire tenders from different stations. Despite the arduous battle spanning several hours, the fire was eventually brought under control.
Regrettably, three shops were razed to the ground, with four others suffering partial damage. Moreover, cash stored in one of the destroyed shops was reduced to ashes, compounding the losses incurred.
Speaking to the media, Ishtiaq Ahmed, Chief of the KMC Fire Department, attributed the fire to a short circuit. He lamented the absence of fire safety measures and emergency exits in the building, highlighting the need for stringent adherence to safety protocols.
Ahmed revealed ongoing efforts to conduct surveys of commercial and residential buildings to ensure compliance with fire safety standards. However, the unfortunate incident underscores the urgency of prioritizing proactive measures to mitigate the risk of such calamities in the future.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating fire, it serves as a sobering reminder of the critical importance of robust fire safety measures and diligent enforcement of regulations to safeguard lives and property.
The incident calls for collective vigilance and concerted efforts from authorities, stakeholders, and the public alike to prevent similar tragedies and foster safer environments for all.
The writer is a seasoned researcher and a criminologist currently working as a Senior Project Manager at the International Commission on Human Rights (ICOHR), a Human Rights NGO in Pakistan.
