Murad approves Rs30.8bn plan to overhaul Sindh emergency services

Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has approved a wide-ranging plan to reorganise and upgrade emergency services across the province, with the stated aim of creating an integrated rapid response system operating under a single command.

The decision was taken during a high-level meeting attended by senior officials, including Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah.

During the meeting, officials briefed participants on the progress of a province-wide fire safety audit. They said that by April 1, a total of 3,340 buildings had been inspected by 122 teams, surpassing the original target of 2,368 buildings.

According to the briefing, the number of buildings found compliant with safety standards increased to 1,328, accounting for 43% of the total. Officials also said the share of highly dangerous buildings had fallen from 33% in February to 22%.

Authorities have also taken enforcement action during the audit process. Several hazardous buildings were sealed, while more than 3,000 notices were issued to ensure compliance with fire safety rules.

Expressing concern over public safety, the chief minister said protection of life and property was the government's foremost responsibility. He directed the relevant departments to strictly implement fire safety laws, carry out regular inspections and ensure immediate corrective steps in buildings found to be unsafe.

Rs30.8 billion strengthening plan approved

The meeting approved a financial plan of more than Rs30.8 billion for the strengthening of fire and emergency services in Sindh.

Under the approved plan, the government will procure 100 fire tenders as well as snorkels, aerial ladders, drones, fire bikes and all-terrain vehicles. The package also includes modern rescue tools such as thermal imaging cameras and life detection systems.

The measures are part of the provincial government’s broader effort to modernise emergency response capacity and improve preparedness in dealing with fires and other emergencies.

The briefing presented at the meeting indicated that the ongoing audit and enforcement campaign had already produced measurable changes in building safety compliance. The chief minister’s directives focused on sustaining that momentum through stricter implementation, continued inspections and prompt rectification of safety shortcomings.

The approved plan is intended to support a more coordinated emergency response structure across Sindh, backed by new equipment and a unified command arrangement.