KARACHI: The Humaara Karachi Movement, led by renowned architect Yasmeen Lari, formally launched its citywide citizen initiative with a Street Assembly on fire safety at Denso Hall Rahguzar Walking Street on Tuesday.
The initiative comes in the wake of the recent Gul Plaza tragedy and marks the beginning of what organisers described as a structured, zero-funding and non-political effort aimed at improving fire safety standards and civic responsibility across Karachi.
The assembly was organised by the Humaara Karachi Core Committee in collaboration with Heritage Foundation of Pakistan, Institute of Architects Pakistan and Association of Consulting Engineers Pakistan. The session focused on reviewing fire protection arrangements for buildings along Rahguzar and the adjoining medicine market.
The programme began with a live fire drill demonstration at 11:30am, followed by recitation from the Holy Quran, welcome remarks and a detailed technical presentation.
Senior engineer Engr Farooq Mehboob delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting fire-related hazards in the medicine market. His findings were based on detailed building surveys and consultations with owners. He pointed out structural vulnerabilities, blocked access points, electrical risks and the absence of coordinated evacuation planning as major concerns.
He presented clear and implementable recommendations, including ensuring improved emergency access, installation of mandatory fire detection systems, designation of proper escape routes, rooftop access planning, better electrical load management, installation of fire extinguishers and hydrant systems, and conducting coordinated evacuation drills for occupants and traders.
A question-and-answer session allowed residents, shopkeepers and professionals to directly engage with technical experts and deliberate on practical next steps to enhance safety compliance in the area.
The organisers expressed gratitude to DC South Javed Khoso and AC Aram Bagh for their support and facilitation in ensuring the event was conducted smoothly in accordance with official permissions.
Humaara Karachi is a citizen-driven platform focused on prevention, compliance and collective responsibility. The movement announced that it will continue to hold structured assemblies, technical reviews and awareness sessions across high-risk commercial zones of the city in the coming weeks.
