Ten Emergency Staff Suspended in Karachi for Absenteeism During Rains Mayor Warns of Strict Accountability to Protect Citizens in Monsoon Emergencies

The Karachi Mayor has ordered strict disciplinary action against emergency personnel accused of neglecting duty during the city’s recent spell of heavy rains. Following inspections, ten fire department employees were suspended for repeated absenteeism during critical weather operations, raising concerns over public safety during the monsoon season. Fire Chief Muhammad Humayun confirmed that the suspended individuals include four officers, one driver, and five firemen, all of whom failed to respond to emergency roll calls despite clear directives. Among those penalized were Station Officer Ghulam Fakhruddin of Landhi Fire Station, Sub Fire Officer Adnan Moin, and driver Umar Farooq, who were immediately removed from active duty pending inquiry. From Shah Faisal Colony station, Leading Fireman Moeed Ahmed and Fireman Farooq Siddiqui were also found absent during crucial rescue operations.
Authorities stressed that failure to report in emergencies directly endangers lives and undermines the credibility of civic institutions tasked with disaster response.Senior officials were not spared in the accountability drive, with Deputy Director Central Javed Irshad among those suspended, underscoring the administration’s determination to enforce discipline at all levels of Karachi’s emergency services. The Mayor’s office reiterated that negligence during life-threatening weather events would not be tolerated, adding that consistent absenteeism weakens rescue operations and damages public trust in civic agencies. The suspended officials have been ordered to report to headquarters, where they will face show-cause notices and formal charge sheets as part of the disciplinary proceedings. The move comes as Karachi struggles with recurring urban flooding, traffic disruptions, and infrastructure breakdowns during the monsoon, with civic bodies under growing pressure to ensure effective crisis management. By making an example of those who neglected their duties, the city administration hopes to send a clear message of zero tolerance for misconduct, aiming to strengthen the responsiveness and reliability of Karachi’s emergency network.