Summary:
The Gul Plaza fire in Karachi has resulted in 21 confirmed deaths and significant destruction, with 1,200 shops gutted and over 8,000 people jobless. As rescuers continue their search for victims amid challenges, preliminary investigations point to a short-circuit. The Sindh government has announced Rs10 million for each deceased family and initiated an inquiry, while public anger rises over perceived lapses in building safety regulations.
Grief gives way to anger amid the ongoing search for Gul Plaza victims in Karachi, following a devastating fire that has claimed at least 21 lives. Rescuers continue to recover remains from the multi-storey shopping complex, which was engulfed in flames late Saturday night, leaving significant portions reduced to rubble.
South DIG Syed Asad Raza confirmed that 23 body parts have been recovered so far, underscoring the grim nature of the search. Police have compiled a list of 69 missing persons, with geo-fencing technology helping to trace the whereabouts of 35 individuals. One victim, Tanveer Ahmed Khan, 46, a salesman, was identified through his CNIC, though DNA samples are being collected for broader confirmation due to the state of the remains. Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed noted that only one of the 10 post-mortem examinations conducted thus far has resulted in an identification, highlighting the challenges.
Search for Gul Plaza Victims Continues Amid Debris
The blaze, which extensively damaged the basement and ground-plus-three-storey structure housing nearly 1,200 shops over roughly 8,000 square yards, has also rendered over 8,000 people jobless. Despite firefighters bringing the flames under control, smoke continued to emanate from the wreckage. Pakistan Navy’s fire brigade supervisor Mohammed Shah described it as a “deep-seated” or “DK” fire, indicating its stubborn persistence.
Initial investigations by Additional Inspector General of Police Karachi Azad Khan have not uncovered any evidence of arson, with a short-circuit currently suspected as the cause. An FIR will be lodged if negligence is established by the administration’s report. SindhNews.com reported extensively on the rescue and investigation efforts.
Government Response and Public Calls for Accountability
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced a Rs10 million compensation for the family of each deceased person. He also launched a formal inquiry, appointing a committee headed by the Karachi Commissioner, with assistance from Additional IG Karachi and the Forensic Laboratory Lahore. The Chief Minister also mandated the immediate implementation of the Fire Safety Audit 2024 to prevent future tragedies.
The tragedy sparked debate in both the Senate and National Assembly. Senators expressed condolences, with Barrister Syed Ali Zafar criticizing systemic corruption in building regulation enforcement. Sherry Rehman of the PPP urged against politicizing the incident, emphasizing the immediate need for fire safety in Karachi. Meanwhile, MNA Arshad Abdullah Vohra highlighted the plight of over 8,000 jobless traders, urging comprehensive relief from both federal and provincial governments.
The Gul Plaza tragedy has cast a harsh light on urban safety standards and emergency preparedness. The ongoing efforts to identify all Gul Plaza victims and provide relief to those affected underscore the profound human and economic toll of this disaster, demanding sustained attention to both immediate recovery and long-term preventative measures.