Blaze at City Hall: Fire Breaks Out at Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab's Historic Office

KARACHI, Pakistan — Firefighters responded swiftly after a sudden blaze broke out within the office premises of Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, located inside the iconic Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) building. The incident triggered an immediate evacuation of the colonial-era heritage structure as thick smoke billowed into the surrounding streets.

The alarm was raised during regular operational hours when security personnel and staff noticed smoke emanating from the upper level of the building near the mayor's executive wing. Fire tenders and emergency crews arrived within minutes, establishing a perimeter to tackle the flames and prevent them from spreading to adjoining wings of the historic complex.

Emergency teams acted quickly to ensure all administrative personnel and visitors were evacuated safely. No casualties or severe injuries have been reported in connection with the incident.

Constructed in the 1930s out of distinct Anglo-Mughal sandstone, the KMC building stands as one of Karachi’s most prized architectural and political landmarks. Given the structure’s age and prominent wooden elements, firefighters prioritized containment to safeguard both the historical facade and important municipal archives housed within.

Through coordinated efforts, fire crews managed to douse the primary flames and control the smoke before the fire could engulf the broader administrative complex.

"Our immediate focus was saving lives and ensuring the safety of everyone in the premises while protecting the structure," said an emergency services spokesperson at the scene. "Thanks to quick action, the fire was isolated to the affected section."

While municipal officials have not yet officially confirmed the exact origin of the blaze, preliminary reports suggest an electrical short circuit in the ceiling wiring or air conditioning units may have triggered the fire.

A specialized technical committee has been tasked with assessing the extent of the damage to the mayor's office and evaluating the overall structural integrity of the impacted wing. Operations at the KMC headquarters are expected to resume under modified safety protocols as cleanup and restoration assessments begin.