KARACHI: A catastrophic fire at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road has plunged the city into distress. Authorities report that the inferno, which erupted on January 17 at approximately 10:00 PM, was subdued after battling flames for 34 hours. However, the building remains structurally unstable and poses significant safety risks. Rescue teams, assisted by the Army, Rangers, and civil administration, continue to cautiously search for missing individuals, as structural engineers evaluate the damaged site. Concerns over further collapse mount while further details from the scene emerge.
The death toll from the tragedy has now risen to 23, according to DIG South. Of the recovered victims, six have been identified, while DNA testing will be utilized to confirm the identities of the remaining casualties. Officials have disclosed that 69 people were reported missing, with 32 of them last traced to Gul Plaza. The situation around Gul Plaza and Rampa Plaza is said to be under control, with all entry points secured. Only authorized rescue personnel are allowed inside the premises to maintain safety and facilitate ongoing operations. Police and other agencies are working in close collaboration to ensure the effectiveness of search and recovery efforts.
In response to the tragedy, Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced a compensation package totaling Rs10 million for the families of those who lost their lives in the Gul Plaza fire. Addressing the media following a special meeting regarding the incident, the chief minister assured that financial assistance would begin disbursement from the following day to provide relief to bereaved families.
