Sindh CM visits Gul Plaza, assures government’s support to victims

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah visited the site of the devastating fire at Gul Plaza, reviewed rescue and fire-fighting operations and met with affected shopkeepers and families. He assured them that the government will conduct a full investigation and provide all possible assistance to the victims.

Murad Ali Shah said the fire was reported after 10 p.m., and the first firefighter arrived at 22.27. A total of 26 firefighters, four snorkelers and 10 water bowsers took part in the operation, supported by the Navy, KPT and the Civil Aviation Authority.

The Chief Minister said that according to reports, six persons, including a KMC fireman, lost their lives while 22 injured were treated and discharged. But 58-60 people are still missing. He described the situation as alarming and prayed for their safety.

Briefing the media, Shah explained that the affected building had a basement, ground floor and three upper floors with over 1,000 shops. Initial reports suggest that the fire may have started due to a short circuit and spread rapidly due to combustible materials. He added that firefighters faced serious difficulties due to the building’s layout and limited access points, which exacerbated the damage.

Read: Karachi Gul Plaza flame still burning as 56 missing, death toll rises to six

During the visit, Labor Minister Saeed Ghani and Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi briefed the Chief Minister about the incident and ongoing efforts.

Meanwhile, President Asif Ali Zardari on Sunday expressed his deep sorrow and grief over the tragic fire incident in Karachi and conveyed his condolences and sympathies to the bereaved families. The President directed the Sindh government and relevant authorities to provide immediate support to the affected people and traders.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep grief over the loss of precious lives in the incident and expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families.

Federal Government Spokesperson for Sindh Affairs Raja Khaliq Zaman Ansari visited the fire-hit Gul Plaza and, with a special message from the Prime Minister, said that the federal government and the entire nation stand shoulder to shoulder with the affected people in this hour of grief.

Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Sunday expressed deep grief and reaffirmed that human security is the Sindh government’s top concern, with a detailed investigation already underway.

While addressing the media, Sharjeel stressed that this is no time for politics and urged everyone to focus on relief efforts and support the victims of the tragedy.

Sindh Minister for Labour, Human Resources and Social Protection, Saeed Ghani, assured that the Sindh government will provide financial compensation to the victims. However, he stressed that the immediate priority is to fully extinguish the fire, rescue those trapped inside and complete the search operation.

Read more: Outcry over Gul Plaza tragedy as traders, opposition demand relief

On Sunday, Ghani visited the affected square and reviewed the ongoing rescue efforts. He sought details from officials overseeing the operation and issued necessary instructions.

Speaking to the media later on building safety regulations, Ghani noted that Karachi has thousands of buildings and the government cannot enforce laws everywhere by force alone. He stressed the need for public cooperation and awareness while promising that the government will learn from this tragedy and fulfill its responsibilities.

Later, Ghani and Deputy Mayor Salman Murad attended the funeral prayers for young businessman Kashif Rehmatullah, who lost his life in the incident. They condoled his father Rehmatullah, father-in-law Yaqoob Memon and other family members and prayed for the deceased. The minister and deputy mayor also visited the family of another trader, Faraz, who died in the fire, to express their condolences.