THE tragic fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi, which claimed several lives, injured many and caused huge financial losses, has once again exposed the poor state of occupational health and safety in Sindh. Although the Sindh Occupational Safety and Health Act, 2017, exists, its implemen-tation remains weak and ineffective.
The council formed under the Act has failed to play an effective role, while most commercial plazas and markets continue to operate without basic safety measures. Besides, proper emergency exits, fire extinguishers and regular inspections are largely absent. The Sindh govern-ment must urgently implement the law in letter and in spirit. The Occupational Safety and Health Council should be made functional, health and safety inspectors should be appointed, and mandatory safety training and certi-fication for shop-owners should be ensured to prevent such avoidable tragedies. Loss of life due to negligence is unacceptable, and things must not be allowed to continue this way.
Abdul Latif Junejo
Hyderabad
Published in Dawn, January 23rd, 2026
