Home / Pakistan / Karachi’s Rimpa Plaza Sealed as SBCA Acts After Gul Plaza Blaze,

Pakistan

Karachi’s Rimpa Plaza Sealed as SBCA Acts After Gul Plaza Blaze,

January 21, 2026 2:40 pm

Karachi’s Rimpa Plaza Sealed as SBCA Acts After Gul Plaza Blaze, the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) announced on January 21, 2026. The decision follows the devastating Gul Plaza fire in Karachi, which claimed at least 28 lives. SBCA sealed Rimpa Plaza as a precaution because the neighboring blaze caused structural damage to the decades-old building.

Authorities reported that debris from the Gul Plaza collapse affected the ramp area of Rimpa Plaza. This led to structural column damage, raising concerns about public safety. SBCA teams, along with PEC engineer Arif Qasim, conducted a building inspection in Karachi. They found sections of Rimpa Plaza unsafe and declared immediate precautions necessary.

The SBCA notice instructed building owners to stop using damaged areas and carry out structural strengthening work under qualified supervision. Fire safety violations and the risk of further collapse were cited as major reasons for the closure. The authority warned that failure to comply with building laws and regulations would result in legal action under SBCA rules.

Meanwhile, Rimpa Plaza management disputed claims of unsafe conditions. They stated that while minor ramp area debris occurred, the building’s overall structural integrity remains secure. Despite the disagreement, authorities emphasized occupancy restrictions and strict adherence to safety compliance notices.

This action highlights broader Karachi building safety concerns, especially after commercial building fires like the Gul Plaza blaze. Experts say precautionary measures, inspections, and fire safety protocols are vital to prevent future tragedies. The SBCA’s swift response aims to protect human life and property, showing how an adjacent building fire can threaten public safety.

Karachi’s Rimpa Plaza closure is a reminder of the importance of enforcing building safety regulations and monitoring decades-old commercial structures.