Rescue COO Rejects Delay Claims
Karachi: Dr. Abid Jalaluddin, Chief Operating Officer of Rescue 1122, dismissed claims that emergency response to the Gul Plaza fire was delayed. He stated that the rescue teams acted promptly and handled the situation without any lapse.
The fire at Gul Plaza was a third-degree blaze. Our teams responded on time, and no delays occurred, Dr. Jalaluddin said.
Also Read: Tragedy at Gul Plaza: 27 Bodies Recovered, 81 Still Missing as Rescue Efforts Continue
Search Operations Continue on Upper Floors
Rescue teams are actively searching the second and third floors of Gul Plaza. So far, they have not found any bodies on the third floor, which remains their main focus.
Dr. Jalaluddin emphasized that his teams conduct searches carefully. They consider both the safety of the staff and the building’s structural condition during the operation.
Rescue 1122 Fully Equipped
Dr. Jalaluddin highlighted that Rescue 1122 has all the equipment needed to handle fires of this scale. He explained that methodical searches, rather than rushed entry, protect both the rescuers and potential victims.
Staff safety comes first, alongside effective rescue work, he said.
Fire Safety Measures Are Essential
Dr. Jalaluddin stressed the importance of fire safety in all buildings, especially commercial complexes. He said every building must have functional fire alarms. Fire exits and sprinkler systems are also essential to prevent tragedies.
Without these safety features, rescue operations face greater risks, and occupants become more vulnerable.
Fire Safety Challenges in Pakistan
Urban fires remain a serious concern in Pakistan. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reports that fires claim dozens of lives annually. Overcrowded buildings and blocked exits often worsen the impact.
Experts urge strict enforcement of fire safety codes, regular drills, and proper alarms and sprinklers. Such measures can reduce casualties and improve emergency response.
Looking Ahead
Authorities urged the public to stay calm while rescue teams continue their work in Gul Plaza. They assured that teams take all necessary steps to recover victims and prevent further injuries.
The fire highlights the importance of strict safety standards in densely populated areas. Experts stress that compliance with these measures saves lives. Neglecting them can lead to preventable tragedies.
Also Read: Hope in the Ashes: Sacred Qur’ans Found Untouched After Karachi Blaze
