The government initiated legal action against Karachi Electric (KE), the fire brigade, and other departments following a tragic fire at a multi-storey building on Karachi’s Rashid Minhas Road.
The decision came after a fire at the RJ shopping mall claimed the lives of nearly a dozen people on Saturday.
The fire, which resulted in at least 11 fatalities, is suspected to have originated from a short circuit. The ensuing chaos saw numerous individuals trapped inside, with rescue operations involving extensive resources.
A First Information Report (FIR) was registered, citing culpable homicide, negligence, and damages. The FIR highlighted several safety lapses, including the absence of fire extinguishers emergency exits, and the illegal approval of the building’s map. It also stated that inferior construction materials contributed to the disaster’s severity.
The FIR mentions Karachi Electric and the fire brigade’s role in the incident. Allegations include issuing a no-objection certificate (NOC) to the shopping mall despite safety violations and using defective materials.
The FIR accuses these entities and other institutions of criminal negligence, underlining a serious lapse in adhering to safety standards and regulations. The government’s response reflects an effort to address accountability and prevent such incidents in the future.
