KMC reestablishes two fire stations

Gulistan-e-Johar station restored after 30 years; upgradation underway

IV Report

KARACHI: The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has reestablished two fire stations in Gulistan-e-Johar and Bolton Market as part of a citywide upgradation of emergency response infrastructure.

Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, who inaugurated the facilities, said the move aims to strengthen Karachi’s firefighting capacity and reduce response time across densely populated areas.

The Gulistan-e-Johar Fire Station has been restored after nearly three decades. Previously, the Gulshan Fire Station covered both Gulshan-e-Iqbal and Gulistan-e-Johar, straining resources. Wahab said the reestablished station will now share emergency response duties, easing pressure and improving coverage for surrounding localities.

“Past fire incidents showed the need for stronger infrastructure, modern equipment, and better preparedness,” Wahab said during the ceremony.

The reestablishment is part of a broader modernisation programme that includes infrastructure upgradation and procurement of modern firefighting machinery through international competitive bidding. Wahab said the procurement process is expected to conclude soon and the upgraded stations will include high-capacity water storage tanks, solar-powered systems, and improved operational facilities to ensure uninterrupted services.

The inauguration was attended by Municipal Commissioner KMC Abrar Jaffar, Director General Technical Services Tariq Mughal, the Chief Fire Officer, and other senior KMC officials.

Photos courtesy: KMC

With an uninterrupted 23-year career in daily journalism (1991-2013), the author/editor of this blog currently serves as Editor of Social Track, a weekly newspaper focused on social sectors, based in Karachi. Holding a master's degree in Mass Communications from the University of Karachi (1990), his professional experience includes roles as senior reporter at Daily Dawn, Karachi (May 2001-August 2013) and Chief Reporter at The News International, Karachi (April 1991-May 2001). He has a strong background in development journalism, he has an extensive portfolio of news stories, analytical reports and features covering a wide range of sectors. He has had the privilege of covering numerous high-profile figures, including Pakistani presidents, prime ministers, army chiefs, foreign dignitaries, and VVIPs and attending conferences and workshops abroad. He began his journalism career in the early 1980s. Throughout his career, he has received several national awards from government and private organisations. He has contributed to various radio and TV/channel broadcasts and has also served as a trainer at workshops in Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad, focused on training journalists.

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