Rapid Urbanization and the Economic Cost of Fire Disasters: A Comparative Analysis of Resilience in Sindh and Punjab

Abstract

The study aims to explore the growing risks posed by fire incidents in major economic activities of Pakistan (Sindh and Punjab) where urbanization has occurred at an unprecedented rate and has resulted in vulnerable situation. The research finds that the "safety gap" is a recurring theme arising from the major incidents of 2012 Ali Enterprise factory fire and 2026 Gul plaza blaze and is a result of the lack of enforcement of safety regulations. The effects are devastating, causing not only loss of life, but substantial economic losses as well. This analysis using a comparative qualitative approach revealed that there is variation in institutional resilience between the provinces, with Sindh showing lower institutional resilience (0.4) than Punjab (0.7). This gap is due to differences in governance, preparedness and enforcement capacity. The results highlight the critical need to move from firefighting to a proactive approach; one that takes risks into account when planning cities. This change is necessary to avoid future disasters and minimize losses of multi billions that are still adversely affecting Pakistan's economic centers.