Job of Justice: Relocating Fireworks Warehouses to Safer Locations
The Sindh High Court (SHC) has directed authorities to relocate fireworks warehouses and factories away from residential areas in Karachi. The ruling comes after a fatal blast last August at Al-Amna Plaza on MA Jinnah Road, which claimed at least six lives and left around 30 people injured. A two-member SHC bench, led by Justice Muhammad Iqbal Kalhoro and including Justice Abdul Rehman, heard the petition and issued a clear directive to move volatile operations out of crowded neighborhoods.
Context and Ground for the Order
The petition was brought forward by residents affected by illegal godowns and unsafe storage practices in densely populated blocks. The court’s decision follows a detailed briefing by Karachi South Deputy Commissioner Javed Nabi Khoso, who underscored historical licensing irregularities and the scale of fireworks storage in the affected area.
According to the DC South’s report, the first shop licence in the building dates back to 1971, issued by the then assistant commissioner of Karachi Cantonment. The Civil Defence No Objection Certificate (NOC) typically allows retailers to store only 25-30 kilograms of fireworks. Investigations revealed that a large warehouse stored far greater quantities, contravening licensing terms and safety norms. The explosion at Al-Amna Plaza has been linked by officials to this violation, highlighting the urgent need for safer siting of such volatile materials.
Administrative Actions and Aftermath
In the aftermath of the incident, authorities revoked all active firework licences and NOCs in the South District. The Bomb Disposal Squad seized and destroyed explosive materials, while the Karachi Cantonment Board was tasked with assessing the structural damage to the affected building. These steps reflect a broader effort to clamp down on illegal storage and improve civilian safety in a city renowned for its dense urban landscape.
During Monday’s hearing, the petitioner—identified as the mother of a deceased young man—argued that illegal godowns in crowded neighborhoods pose a direct threat to life. Her counsel, Usman Farooq, contended that the Explosives Act of 1884 prohibits licenses for manufacturing or storing fireworks in public or residential areas, and that proximity to schools and housing blocks is unlawful and dangerous. The court heeded these concerns, emphasizing that the current practice violates safety norms and endangers residents.
Judicial Outcome and Future Safeguards
The SHC disposed of the petition with a decisive directive to relocate fireworks warehouses and factories out of residential zones. The bench’s order aims to reduce risk exposure for residents and to prevent future tragedies stemming from illegal or unsafe storage practices. While the court’s decision addresses siting, it also implicitly calls for stronger enforcement, regular inspections, and stricter compliance with licensing requirements across Karachi and beyond.
Impact on Public Safety and Policy
Relocating fireworks facilities away from homes and schools represents a significant public safety measure for Karachi. The decision aligns with broader urban safety strategies that prioritize risk reduction in high-density areas. Authorities may need to coordinate with municipal bodies, civil defense, and law enforcement to identify suitable, secure locations for storage and distribution. In parallel, the government could consider revising licensing frameworks to prevent future lapses and to ensure ongoing monitoring of compliance in the fireworks trade.
What Comes Next?
As Karachi awaits the practical steps to implement the court’s order, residents are hopeful that hazardous storage will move farther from living spaces. The case signals a precedent for other districts facing similar risks and demonstrates the judiciary’s willingness to intervene in matters of public safety where regulatory enforcement falters.
