Family members of several missing persons, including shopkeepers and buyers – four of them women – are searching for their loved ones after they disappeared during the fire in Karachi’s Gul Plaza mall.
The deadly fire that broke out Saturday night at the mall has killed at least six people, and officials warned Sunday that the toll could rise as more are still trapped inside.
A woman, still in shock, said she learned around 9, that her little son had disappeared. The shaken mother could not confirm whether her son was a shopkeeper or had visited the square to buy something.
“I found out at 9 o’clock when my other son, who was going to church, called me and said:Ammacome quickly, my brother is missing,” she said.
“My young son… there is no information about him,” she cried.
A large number of anxious family members were seen outside the Burns Center at the Civil Hospital, fearing that more people may still be inside the building more than 13 hours after the fire broke out on MA Jinnah Road.
This was told by a man who was looking for six members of his family Pakinomist news that the group had visited the site for wedding shopping and were last contacted at 22.10, while they were on the second floor choosing tools.
Another woman searching for her husband, a shopkeeper in the square, said his whereabouts are unknown. She said two children who also work at his store are missing with him.
Helpline established
Meanwhile, in the wake of the Gul Plaza fire incident, the district administration and South Zone Police have established dedicated helplines to facilitate the public and provide timely information.
Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi said citizens can share information related to the Gul Plaza tragedy or report missing persons by contacting the DC South office.
The helpline numbers for this purpose are 0313-5048048, 021-99206372 and 021-99205625.
Separately, DIG Syd announced that the South Zone Police has also set up helplines to assist and guide citizens affected by the incident. Members of the public can obtain information or seek assistance by calling 021-99205670, 021-99201196 and 021-99205691.
Authorities urged citizens to use these helplines for accurate information and cooperation during relief and response efforts.
