Independent Report
Karachi, February 16 — The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has notified sweeping amendments to the Karachi Building & Town Planning Regulations 2002, enforcing stricter fire safety and compliance standards across Sindh with immediate effect.
Under the amended 2026 framework, all public sale, industrial and amenity buildings must incorporate dedicated underground and overhead firefighting water tanks at planning and completion stages. Certified Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) drawings are now mandatory before final construction approval. Completion plans will require NOCs from Civil Defence and Fire Brigade authorities.
Retail outlets must install at least one fire extinguisher per shop, while department stores must provide one per 400 square feet. Centralized licensing at SBCA headquarters and expanded parking requirements, including motorcycle and visitor parking, have also been introduced to strengthen regulatory oversight.
