22 Rescued from Partially Collapsed Building in Karachi's Kharadar

On June 30, 2025, emergency rescue teams successfully evacuated 22 individuals, including women and children, from a partially collapsed building located in the Kharadar area of Karachi, Pakistan. The incident occurred when a bridge connecting two buildings on the sixth floor collapsed, stranding residents above. Rescue officials confirmed that no casualties or injuries had been reported, attributing the building's structural failure to its dilapidated condition, exacerbated by recent heavy rains.

According to Hassan Ul Haseeb Khan, spokesperson for Rescue 1122, the building has been declared unlivable due to its precarious state. "The bridge that fell was an old part of the structure. The recent rains may have weakened its integrity significantly," Khan stated. Efforts to conduct the rescue operation were complicated by the building's location in a congested urban area, which hindered the deployment of necessary machinery. Furthermore, residents from adjacent buildings resisted evacuation, asserting the safety of their own structures despite the evident risk.

As soon as the Central Command and Control of Rescue 1122 received reports of the incident, an Urban Search and Rescue Team, along with an ambulance and disaster response vehicle, was dispatched to the site. Eyewitness accounts described a significant gathering of onlookers, which further obstructed the rescue efforts.

The Kharadar district, rich in historical architecture, has faced challenges regarding building safety standards, particularly in older structures. Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan, has seen a number of similar incidents over the years, raising concerns about urban planning and building regulations.

Dr. Ayesha Malik, an Urban Planning expert at the University of Karachi, emphasized the need for stricter building codes and regular inspections to prevent such incidents in the future. "The government must prioritize the safety of its citizens by enforcing regulations that ensure buildings can withstand environmental stressors," she remarked.

A report by the Karachi Development Authority (KDA) in 2023 highlighted that over 30% of the city's buildings were at risk of collapse due to neglect and lack of maintenance. The report called for immediate action to assess and reinforce vulnerable structures, particularly in densely populated areas.

In light of this incident, it is crucial for authorities to revisit urban safety policies and implement comprehensive strategies to safeguard residents. As the city continues to expand, the lessons learned from the Kharadar incident should serve as a wake-up call for both government officials and the community at large.

In conclusion, while the successful rescue of 22 individuals from the Kharadar building is a relief, it underscores the urgent need for enhanced building safety measures in Karachi. Without such interventions, the risk of future tragedies remains alarmingly high.