By Aziz Khatri
KARACHI: The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has launched an extensive programme to upgrade emergency response infrastructure across the city, including improvements to facilities dealing with beach emergencies and fire and rescue operations.
Acting on the directives of Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab, KMC has floated tenders worth Rs100 million for the rehabilitation, expansion and establishment of key fire and rescue facilities.
The initiative aims to improve Karachi’s emergency response capacity, particularly during the ongoing beach season when thousands of citizens visit the city’s coastal areas.
As part of the project, KMC will upgrade its Emergency Response Centre to enhance its operational capabilities for dealing with beach-related emergencies, especially at Hawksbay Beach, where the risk of drowning incidents increases during weekends and public holidays.
The upgraded facility will enable rescue teams to respond more quickly and effectively by ensuring timely deployment of lifesaving personnel and equipment to protect beach visitors.
The enhanced Emergency Response Centre will also improve coordination, communication and emergency response mechanisms, allowing rescuers to reach victims in the shortest possible time while strengthening preventive measures along Karachi’s coastline.
In addition to improving beach emergency management, KMC will establish a new Fire Station at Maripur, which will serve as a dedicated emergency response facility for surrounding industrial areas.
The new station is expected to reduce emergency response times in one of Karachi’s major industrial zones and provide quicker firefighting and rescue services to industries, commercial establishments and nearby residential communities.
The development plan also includes the comprehensive rehabilitation of the Rainbow Centre Fire Station, Lyari Fire Station and KMC Fire Headquarters to improve operational efficiency and strengthen the overall readiness of the city’s Fire Department.
Mayor Karachi Barrister Murtaza Wahab directed the Fire Department to continue modernising its infrastructure and enhancing emergency response systems in accordance with international standards.
He said protecting human life remained the top priority of KMC and every possible measure was being taken to ensure that citizens received timely and efficient emergency services.
The mayor said the rehabilitation and expansion of emergency facilities would not only improve firefighting operations but also strengthen Karachi’s disaster preparedness, rescue capabilities and emergency management network.
He added that the upgraded infrastructure would enable KMC to respond more effectively to fires, industrial emergencies, road accidents, natural disasters and beach-related incidents.
Barrister Murtaza Wahab reiterated KMC’s commitment to developing a safer and more resilient Karachi through continued investment in modern emergency services and public safety infrastructure.
He said strengthening rescue facilities was a key part of the city’s wider development agenda aimed at providing reliable municipal services and protecting the lives and property of Karachi’s residents.
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