Karachi – The federal government has pledged full support to traders affected by the deadly fire at Gul Plaza, as senior officials toured the damaged building and promised swift action to prevent future disasters.
On a tense morning in Karachi, Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal arrived at the scene with Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad. Together, they inspected the burned floors and spoke with shop owners who had lost everything. Meanwhile, rescue teams continued to clear debris and assess the damage.
The minister described the incident as a major tragedy. He said the blaze caused both human and financial losses. Therefore, he promised close cooperation between federal and provincial authorities to help victims recover.
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Visit to the Disaster Site
First, Jam Kamal walked through the charred corridors and broken stairways. Then, he reviewed early reports from rescue officials and fire officers. After that, he met traders who stood beside the remains of their shops.
This is a very painful incident, he told reporters. Lives were lost, and businesses were destroyed. Now, both the federal and provincial governments will make every possible effort to support the affected families.
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According to officials on site, the fire spread quickly through the multi‑storey building. As a result, several people became trapped, and large quantities of merchandise burned within hours. Firefighters fought the flames through the night before they finally brought the blaze under control.
Although the original report did not list casualty numbers, recent fires in Karachi have often killed or injured dozens. In many cases, traders also lose stock worth millions of rupees.
Strong Support for the Trading Community
Jam Kamal said his main responsibility involved protecting the business community. Therefore, he promised full assistance from the federal government.
My duty relates to traders, he said. We will help them in every possible way.
He explained that officials would soon discuss compensation plans, relief packages, and policy support with provincial leaders and city administrators. Meanwhile, the city government has begun collecting data on losses.
Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad confirmed these efforts. He said teams were recording damage and reviewing emergency response procedures. Moreover, he urged traders to submit claims so authorities could process aid more quickly.
For many shop owners, the fire ended years of hard work in a single night. Therefore, several traders asked for urgent cash assistance, soft loans, and temporary spaces to restart business.
Governance Failures Under Review
Beyond emergency relief, Jam Kamal stressed the need for reforms. He said authorities must remove long‑standing weaknesses in governance.
We will eliminate flaws in the system, he said. The Sindh government and the mayor of Karachi already know the issues. Now, work has begun, and we will support every step.
Pakistan’s major cities face constant criticism over poor enforcement of building codes. In many commercial plazas, emergency exits remain blocked. In addition, fire alarms often fail, and old wiring increases the risk of sparks.
According to fire department officials, Karachi records hundreds of building fires each year. Most start because of faulty wiring, illegal extensions, or poor maintenance. Therefore, experts argue that regular inspections could save many lives.
A Pattern of Urban Disasters
The Gul Plaza fire fits into a troubling pattern.
Over the past decade, deadly fires in factories, markets, and shopping centres have struck Karachi and Lahore. Each time, officials promise reforms. However, enforcement often weakens once public attention fades.
Urban planners warn that rapid construction without strict oversight has created dangerous workplaces. The problem is not the law, one safety expert said. Instead, the problem is weak implementation.
What Comes Next
For now, authorities will focus on relief and recovery.
In the coming days, officials expect to announce a formal assistance package. This plan may include compensation payments, temporary stalls, and technical help for rebuilding. At the same time, investigation teams will study the cause of the fire.
Jam Kamal said coordination between federal, provincial, and city governments would continue. We will stand with the traders, he said. We will not abandon them in this difficult time.
However, for families who lost loved ones, no amount of money can replace a life. Therefore, many hope this tragedy will finally push officials to enforce safety rules more strictly.
As inquiries move forward, the Gul Plaza fire serves as a painful reminder. Karachi needs safer buildings, stronger inspections, and faster action. Only then can the city protect workers, traders, and customers from the next disaster.
