POPULAR food and pizza outlets located on I.I. Chundrigar Road, which is Karachi’s corporate and financial street, attract a large number of visitors daily, including employees from the nearby banks and multinational corporations, as well as university students and faculty members.

Despite the high footfall, there appears to be inadequate attention given to fire safety measures and the availability of proper emergency exits in these outlets.

In densely populated commercial areas, like I.I. Chundrigar Road, the absence of clearly marked, accessible and functional fire exits can pose a grave risk to people in case of emergencies.

Given the concentration of offices and educational institutions in the vicinity, these eateries serve hundreds, if not thousands, of individuals every day. Any lapse in safety preparedness could lead to catastrophic consequences. It is, therefore, imperative that the authorities concerned conduct thorough inspections and ensure strict compliance regarding fire safety regulations, including the installation and maintenance of fire extinguishers, alarms and unobstructed emergency exits. Public awareness and accountability are also essential for preventing avoidable tragedies.

Prof Jamshed Adil Halepota
Karachi

Published in Dawn, June 1st, 2026