KARACHI: Several days after the devastating fire at Gul Plaza, families of those missing continue to demand answers and assistance. Today, on MA Jinah Road, relatives and affected individuals staged a protest, voicing their frustration over the authorities’ failure to provide updates or support.
Many families report that their loved ones have been untraceable for nearly a week. Among the missing is a young man who was employed at one of the shops inside Gul Plaza. Despite multiple appeals for help, relatives say they have received little to no information about their loved ones’ whereabouts.
One family member shared that the missing individual, 25 years old, last contacted his family to say he had left Gul Plaza. “We briefly heard his voice from inside, but shortly after, all communication was cut off,” they explained.
Residents from New Karachi’s Godhra Colony are also among those searching for missing relatives. “Our child has been missing for six days. We are desperately seeking help but have received no assistance. He used to support the family, and his parents are heartbroken,” said another relative.
The authorities have yet to provide concrete updates regarding the missing persons, leading to mounting frustration and anxiety among families. Despite hospital checks and inquiries, no positive identifications have been made so far.The fire at Gul Plaza, which occurred late Saturday night on January 17, severely damaged a large part of the building, leaving hundreds of shopkeepers and workers distressed. Many are still trying to locate loved ones amid ongoing rescue efforts. The incident has shocked the city, with casualties reported and many individuals unaccounted for.
Rescue operations, supported by the Army, Rangers, and civil authorities, are ongoing as engineers assess the structural stability of the damaged building. Help desks and DNA collection centers have been established to facilitate victim identification, and families are working closely with officials.The situation remains uncertain, with new developments expected as rescue and recovery efforts continue throughout the day.
