Karachi fire

A fire broke out at a shopping centre-cum-apartment complex near the Ayesha Manzil area of Karachi on December 6 (Wednesday), sending shockwaves through the local community. Five people lost their lives and several shops were completely gutted by the fire, resulting in substantial financial losses for the business owners. The affected area, once a thriving hub of commerce, now bears the scars of the tragedy, with charred remains and damaged facades serving as a grim reminder of the destructive force that swept through the market.

The fire’s impact extended beyond immediate property damage, disrupting the livelihoods of countless individuals who depended on the market for their daily income. Shopkeepers, vendors, and employees now face an uncertain future as they grapple with the aftermath of the disaster. While the immediate focus remains on recovery and rehabilitation, questions about preventive measures and building safety have come to the forefront. This incident underscores the importance of robust infrastructure and proactive measures to mitigate the risk of such disasters in the future.

Javeria Arif

Karachi

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Now, it’s Arshi Mall that has gone up in flames, leading to at least five deaths. This is the second mall to have suffered from a large fire in the past few weeks, with the blaze at RJ Mall on November 25 leading to at least 11 deaths. Karachi has a long history of fires in factories, large buildings, warehouses, and homes but despite promises of strict action, nothing has been done to make our buildings safe from such incidents.

Common causes of fire include short circuits due to poor wiring, storage of flammable material in building premises, non-adherence to proper safety measures, and lack of fire-safety arrangements. As the city continues to expand, one wonders how many new multi-storey buildings are cropping up without due consideration for emergency facilities.

Malik ul Quddoos

Karachi