KARACHI: The President of the North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry, Faisal Moez Khan, and Akhtar Ismail, Chief Executive Officer of the North Karachi Industrial Development and Management Company, have voiced their deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives and significant property damage caused by a fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi. They urged Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah to investigate the negligence by authorities and enforce accountability.

According to North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry, Faisal Moez Khan described the incident as a great tragedy. Despite the presence of over 20 entry and exit gates at the shopping center, authorities struggled to evacuate people, he noted. Khan acknowledged the bravery of firefighters, highlighting that one firefighter lost his life in the line of duty.

Khan stressed the importance of enforcing fire safety laws in commercial centers throughout the city, advocating for strict implementation measures. He called on both federal and provincial governments to provide immediate financial relief to affected shopkeepers, enabling them to rebuild their businesses ahead of Ramadan. Khan appealed to several key figures, including Field Marshal General Syed Asim Munir, Prime Minister Mian Shehbaz Sharif, Chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, to support the traders impacted by the fire.

The business community of Karachi, as well as that of Pakistan, mourns the loss of life from this incident. Khan extended condolences to the families of the deceased and expressed wishes for the swift recovery of those injured.