KARACHI: The recent fire incident at Gul Plaza has once again highlighted serious gaps in fire safety and emergency preparedness in Karachi, with experts stressing the urgent need for a strong safety culture across commercial buildings.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Raza Shah, Director of the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) at the University of Karachi, emphasized that safety must move beyond paperwork and become a practical, enforceable priority. He said he has hands-on experience in implementing safety infrastructure and promoting safety culture, and is the author of an internationally published book, Safety in the Chemical Laboratory and Industry: A Practical Guide, released three years ago by the renowned publisher Elsevier. The book is available globally through platforms such as Amazon and other retailers.
He expressed these views while addressing foreign students during a lecture at the H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry on Monday.
Prof. Raza Shah said that concrete and enforceable measures are required by relevant authorities to prevent loss of life in fire incidents across the metropolis. Referring to the Gul Plaza incident, he noted that fires in large commercial buildings often intensify due to the presence of diverse materials, including chemicals, polymers, and dyes. The combustion of such materials can produce extreme heat and toxic gases, he explained, adding that many such fires cannot be extinguished using water alone, as water may worsen the situation. Specialized fire-extinguishing powders are often required in these cases.
He stressed that the government and the management of shopping malls must ensure the safety of visitors and employees by implementing standard safety protocols to reduce exposure to hazardous conditions within commercial premises.
According to Prof. Raza Shah, large shopping plazas are inherently high-risk areas because shopkeepers often deal with materials that may be flammable, explosive, irritant, radioactive, or otherwise hazardous to health. Globally, fires in shopping malls frequently occur due to factors such as improper handling of electrical wiring, absence of personal protective equipment, lack of technical expertise in addressing mechanical faults, mishandling of materials, and inadequate knowledge of emergency response procedures.
He added that building infrastructure and design play a critical role in ensuring safety. Electrical circuits, ventilation systems, humidity control, and specialized exhaust hoods must be properly installed and regularly inspected by qualified professionals to ensure their effectiveness.
Prof. Raza Shah also underlined that individual attitudes and behavior toward safety are central to maintaining a secure working environment. He said that while the establishment of safety laws and regulations is essential, their success depends on strict enforcement by the government and compliance by building management. At the same time, he emphasized that individuals also bear responsibility for their own safety, noting that no safety department can function effectively without cooperation from workers and staff.
Speaking about his book, he said it aims to outline basic safety protocols for regulatory authorities, educational institutions, and industrial settings. The publication places particular emphasis on developing safety as a habit among researchers and professionals.
He added that the book serves as an authoritative reference on fire safety procedures, as well as the handling and disposal of hazardous materials at laboratory, industrial, and large commercial building levels, including malls such as Gul Plaza. It also provides practical guidance for emergency response personnel and policymakers involved in developing safety regulations for academic institutions, industries, commercial buildings, and even residential settings.
Prof. Raza Shah concluded that most accidental injuries can be significantly reduced through proper systems and safety-oriented attitudes. He stressed that establishing a true culture of safety requires continuous awareness and responsibility from all stakeholders, regardless of technological advancements.
