Lahore declares August 4 public holiday

The Karachi administration has sealed 200 shops in Saddar for violating fire safety regulations, as authorities intensify efforts to enforce safety standards across commercial areas. The action was taken after inspections revealed that several businesses were operating without complying with mandatory fire safety requirements. The action was taken after inspections revealed that several businesses were operating without complying with mandatory fire safety requirements. According to officials, Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso submitted a report to Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi detailing enforcement measures taken against businesses found in violation of fire safety laws across the district. The report stated that the sealed shops are primarily located on the ground floor of Bilal Centre and Koh Noor Centre in Saddar. Authorities found that these commercial units failed to meet prescribed fire safety standards and were operating in conditions considered unsafe for customers and employees. The crackdown forms part of a broader campaign to improve compliance with fire prevention regulations in Karachi’s busy commercial districts. Officials have emphasized that ensuring public safety remains a top priority, particularly in crowded shopping centers where inadequate emergency measures can increase the risk of serious incidents. Following the inspection drive, Commissioner Karachi Syed Hassan Naqvi directed all deputy commissioners in the city to strictly enforce fire safety regulations and take action against businesses that fail to comply with legal requirements. The directive aims to improve safety standards in markets, shopping centers, and commercial buildings throughout Karachi. Fire safety regulations typically require commercial establishments to maintain functioning fire extinguishers, emergency exits, alarm systems, and other protective measures designed to reduce the risk of fire-related accidents. Authorities have warned that businesses found violating these requirements may face sealing, fines, or additional legal action until the necessary safety measures are implemented. The latest enforcement drive reflects growing efforts by the city administration to strengthen public safety following concerns over fire hazards in commercial areas. Shop owners whose businesses have been sealed will be required to address the identified deficiencies and meet the prescribed safety standards before they can resume operations. Officials have indicated that inspections will continue across Karachi to ensure compliance with fire safety laws, with similar action expected against other businesses that fail to meet the required standards. The administration has urged commercial property owners and traders to fully implement fire safety measures to avoid penalties and help create a safer environment for workers and the public.

Sindh Provincial Minister Saeed Ghani has rejected the demand for dividing Sindh and creating a new province, saying that no matter how much pressure is exerted, a new province will not be established in the province. Ghani accused the MQM of creating hatred by repeatedly raising the issue of a separate province. He said several other political parties were also opposed to dividing Sindh, while MQM leader Mustafa Kamal had himself acknowledged that people in Sukkur had rejected the idea of a new province. The provincial minister questioned the political standing of a few MQM leaders and said that even within the party, its members were not willing to sit together. Speaking about local government arrangements, Ghani said protests had previously been held against the dual local government system in Sindh. He maintained that Karachi had been given a separate system under an agreement reached with the MQM. Commenting on Jamaat-e-Islami’s protests, Ghani said the party claims to be protesting over public issues, but shutting down Karachi at multiple locations would not resolve people’s problems. He advised JI leader Hafiz Naeemur Rehman to hold protests at locations where people would respond sympathetically. Ghani also criticized demands for abolishing the levy, questioning whether making life difficult for Karachi’s residents would force Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to accept the protesters’ demands. He said all provinces contribute their share of revenue to the federation, adding that Sindh had also fulfilled its financial responsibilities. According to Ghani, the political and administrative circumstances in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are different, and the demand for a new province in Sindh remains unacceptable.