Traders’ representatives demanded a Rs5 billion rehabilitation package for Gul Plaza victims
Firefighters use a snorkel to douse flames after a blaze erupted at Gul Plaza Market in Karachi. Photo: X
In the aftermath of the devastating fire at Gul Plaza, political parties and business groups have demanded compensation for losses suffered by traders and families of the victims.
Opposition parties criticised the government over the incident and expressed solidarity with the traders who have lost their livelihoods, besides expressing condolences to the families of the fire victims.
An emergency meeting of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) was convened, chaired by Businessmen Group Vice Chairman Javed Bilwani and KCCI President Rehan Hanif.
The participants expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy, extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and announced full solidarity with the affected traders.
The meeting also announced the formation of a Gul Plaza Fire Incident Committee to coordinate relief efforts, assess losses, and formally approach the government for compensation and rehabilitation of the affected businesses.
Meanwhile, representatives of small traders demanded a Rs5 billion rehabilitation package for Gul Plaza victims, similar to the package announced after the Bolton Market fire.
All Karachi Traders Alliance Chairman Atiq Mir, while reviewing the firefighting operation from a snorkel, said all available resources were deployed to control the blaze, yet it could not be brought under control in time, resulting in the loss of precious lives. He urged the government to announce a comprehensive rehabilitation package for affected traders.
Karachi Electronics Dealers Association President Rizwan Irfan appealed to President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, and Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori to provide relief to the traders, compensate losses, and express solidarity with the families of the deceased.
Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi chief Munam Zafar Khan, along with party leaders including Sindh Assembly member Muhammad Farooq, visited the site. He also carried out a late-night inspection with Alkhidmat rescue workers to review relief activities.
Addressing media persons later, Munam Zafar said the absence of essential firefighting chemicals, carbon dioxide, and modern firefighting facilities in a major city was proof that institutions had been deliberately weakened. “Corruption has hollowed out every institution, and innocent citizens are paying the price,” he added.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and Sindh opposition leader Ali Khurshidi expressed deep grief over the loss of lives. Kamal said the federal government was ready to extend all possible assistance to the Sindh government.
Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori, along with MQM leaders and members of the national and provincial assemblies, visited the site and directed authorities to further improve relief and rescue operations. MQM demanded financial assistance for the families of the deceased, medical treatment for the injured, and relief for the affected trader community.
Central Muslim League Karachi President Ahmed Nadeem Awan said the incident once again exposed the apathy of the city administration. He added that party volunteers remained present at the site throughout the night following the fire.
Pakistan Sunni Tehreek Chairman Engineer Muhammad Sarwat Ijaz Qadri, central president Sahibzada Allama Bilal Abbas Qadri, and secretary general Sahibzada Allama Bilal Saleem Qadri Shami expressed profound sorrow over the tragedy. They urged the Sindh chief minister, local government minister, and relevant officials to strictly enforce safety regulations from approval to completion of buildings, including fire alarms, emergency exits, firefighting equipment, and comprehensive emergency preparedness.
Pakistan Muslim League-Functional Sindh Secretary General Sardar Abdul Rahim, PML-Q Sindh Information Secretary Muhammad Sadiq Sheikh, and Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Ahmed also expressed grief, calling on the government to immediately announce adequate financial assistance for the families of those killed, the injured, and traders whose shops and livelihoods were destroyed in the fire.
