Authorities have taken strict safety measures following the deadly fire at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road. The blaze has claimed at least 28 lives, while dozens of people are still reported missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing at the site.
In the aftermath, the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) seals Rimpa Plaza as a precautionary step. Officials said the decades-old building was weakened due to the intense fire nearby and posed potential safety risks.
According to SBCA, the decision was made after a joint inspection. The inspection team included SBCA officials and senior Pakistan Engineering Council engineer Arif Qasim. Their assessment found structural damage caused by debris from Gul Plaza.
SBCA stated that during the fire, several sections of Gul Plaza collapsed. Part of the debris fell onto the ramp area of Rimpa Plaza. This impact damaged structural columns and raised serious safety concerns.
In a formal notice to owners and occupants, SBCA declared the affected portion unsafe and dangerous. The authority warned that the damaged area poses a threat to human life and nearby property.
As a result, SBCA seals Rimpa Plaza and directed management to immediately stop using the affected section. Owners were instructed to remove unsafe structural elements without delay.
The authority also ordered that repair and strengthening work must be carried out under a qualified structural engineer. All work must follow existing building laws and safety regulations.
SBCA clearly stated that no use or occupation of the sealed area will be allowed. The restriction will remain until the structure is declared safe by a competent authority. Officials warned that failure to comply could result in legal action under Sindh building control laws.
Meanwhile, Rimpa Plaza management has rejected claims that the building is unsafe. A representative, Naeem Ahmed, said the structure remains secure. He stated that only a parking ramp wall was damaged during the fire at the neighboring building.
Ahmed described reports questioning the building’s safety as misleading. Despite these claims, SBCA seals Rimpa Plaza until further assessments confirm public safety.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about fire safety and building inspections in Karachi’s busy commercial areas.
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