By Faraz Muhammad Khan, Co-founder, SAFER, Member Pakistan HVACR Society, and ASHRAE
Pakistan’s major cities, particularly Karachi and Lahore, face growing risks from aging building infrastructure. Water seepage, outdated plumbing, and inadequate firefighting systems have evolved from minor maintenance issues into systemic threats to structural integrity, occupant safety, and property value. Through active engagement in plumbing, firefighting, HVACR, and urban sustainability initiatives, it is evident that most urban disasters in these regions are not caused by sudden events but by the long-term absence of proper safety architecture.
With large-scale redevelopment socially and economically unfeasible, retrofitting—the systematic upgrading of existing buildings to meet modern safety and performance standards—emerges as the only practical and scalable approach to secure urban resilience. This shift from reactive repair to proactive lifecycle management preserves structural integrity, mitigates risks, and protects economic value.
Understanding Retrofitting
Retrofitting is more than cosmetic renovation. It is an engineering intervention designed to:
- Reduce life-safety risks through modernized mechanical and fire systems.
- Extend service life by protecting the structural skeleton.
- Preserve asset value and prevent catastrophic financial loss.
- Ensure regulatory compliance with national and international standards.
Plumbing Risks and Impacts
Plumbing is often overlooked, yet in dense urban environments, water leaks are capital risks with far-reaching consequences. Legacy Galvanized Iron (GI) systems degrade over decades, while modern PVC and PPRC pipelines fail due to poor jointing, counterfeit fittings, or lack of technical supervision. Invisible seepage corrodes steel reinforcement, weakens concrete, and lowers insurance and property value. In a water-stressed country like Pakistan, these failures also contribute to significant resource loss.
Firefighting Retrofitting: Life Safety Inside the Building
High-density corridors in Karachi and Lahore make external fire response unreliable. Retrofitted buildings must include:
- Fire Detection and Alarm Systems for early warning.
- Smoke Management and Pressurized Staircases to maintain safe evacuation routes.
- Internal Hydrant and Wet Riser Systems to provide immediate firefighting capability on every floor.
- Dedicated Fire Pumps and Zoned Storage to maintain pressure and water supply without major structural alterations.
Adaptive reuse of buildings, such as converting residential properties into schools or clinics without upgrading fire systems, increases the risk of high-casualty events. Effective retrofitting ensures life safety is built into the structure, not reliant solely on external responders.
Global Benchmarks and Standards
International examples validate the approach: Singapore mandates phased fire safety retrofitting for older buildings, while Mumbai implements mandatory fire audits for high-density developments. Adherence to NFPA standards ensures fire protection, while ASHEARE guidelines support HVAC integration, smoke management, and pressure control. Successful retrofitting requires standards, skills, and supervision, not just materials.
Strategic Roadmap: Multi-Stakeholder Responsibility
- Government/Regulators: Proactive audits and compliance frameworks.
- Building Owners: Asset protection, risk mitigation, and insurance value retention.
- Engineers/Consultants: Professional integrity and strict adherence to international standards for reliable, resilient systems.
Industry Alignment: 31st Pakistan HVACR Expo
The 31st Pakistan HVACR Expo provides a timely platform to showcase solutions aligned with the theme of retrofitting and urban resilience, offering stakeholders an opportunity to engage with modular, practical technologies for safer, more efficient buildings.
Conclusion
Retrofitting firefighting and plumbing systems is no longer optional; it is a strategic investment in urban safety, sustainability, and economic continuity. By addressing historical neglect and proactively upgrading infrastructure, Pakistan’s cities can achieve resilience, protect lives, and safeguard property assets for decades to come.
