Fire Safety Street Assembly – Rahguzar Area Assessment

Event Overview

In the wake of the recent Gul Plaza tragedy, members of the ASHRAE Pakistan Chapter participated in a crucial Street Assembly on fire safety at Denso Hall, Rahguzar Walking Street. The event was held under the citizen-led Humaara Karachi Movement and focused on reviewing fire safety conditions in Rahguzar buildings and the adjoining medicine market, an area exposed to high risk due to dense commercial activity and aging infrastructure. The central technical briefing was delivered by senior engineer Farooq Mehboob, drawing on detailed field surveys conducted by ASHRAE members and consultations with building owners.

Key Highlights

• Detailed field surveys of fire safety conditions in Rahguzar area
• Identification of critical risks: blocked access routes, overloaded electrical systems, structural weaknesses
• Practical measures for improving safety in existing commercial buildings
• Step-by-step approach: emergency access, fire detection, escape routes, rooftop rescue access
• Balancing electrical loads, functional extinguishers, and evacuation drills

Photo Gallery

Street Assembly at Denso Hall, Rahguzar

Technical briefing by Farooq Mehboob

Surveying fire safety conditions

Discussion with building owners and community members