A deadly blaze at Karachi’s historic Gul Plaza has triggered an outpouring of grief across the country, with public figures calling for prayers, accountability, and urgent safety reforms.
Deadly Fire Leaves City in Shock
Karachi has once again been shaken by a devastating tragedy after a massive fire engulfed Gul Plaza, a prominent commercial and shopping centre in the heart of the city. The blaze broke out late Saturday night and continued to rage for nearly 33 hours before firefighters managed to bring it under control on Monday morning.
At least 15 people have been confirmed dead so far, while several others sustained injuries. Authorities fear the death toll could rise further, as dozens of individuals are still reported missing and were believed to be inside the building when the fire erupted. Large sections of the structure collapsed during the inferno, complicating rescue efforts and turning the operation into a prolonged and dangerous task.
Massive Financial Losses Reported
Beyond the tragic loss of human lives, the fire has caused extensive economic damage. Initial assessments suggest that the inferno resulted in financial losses amounting to billions of rupees. Gul Plaza housed hundreds of shops dealing in electronics, garments, and other goods, many of which were completely destroyed. Traders have described the incident as a catastrophic blow to their livelihoods.
Celebrities Express Grief and Condolences
Pakistani celebrities from across the entertainment and sports industries took to social media to express sorrow and solidarity with the victims and their families.
Renowned actor Nauman Ijaz shared his grief on Instagram, calling the tragedy a moment of collective mourning for the entire nation. He prayed for patience for the bereaved families and compensation for those who suffered irreparable losses.
Gul Plaza Fire: Blaze Controlled After 36 Hours, Death Toll Reaches 14
Actor Sajal Aly said she was “heartbroken” by the incident and extended her prayers to all those affected by the tragedy.
Cricketer Haris Rauf described the loss of precious lives as “devastating” and prayed for strength and patience for the victims. In a separate post on X (formerly Twitter), he criticised what he termed a systemic failure, pointing to inadequate fire safety measures and delayed rescue efforts.
Calls for Accountability and Change
Actor Ali Abbas also expressed deep sadness, stating that the tragedy once again exposed the dire state of urban governance in Karachi. He urged citizens to make more informed choices when electing their representatives. Meanwhile, Amna Zahid Ahmed, wife of actor Zahid Ahmed, lamented the chronic neglect faced by the city, calling it “unimaginable.”
As investigations continue, the Gul Plaza fire has reignited urgent debates around fire safety standards, emergency preparedness, and institutional accountability in Pakistan’s largest city.
