Karachi/Quetta: Syed Aman Shah, Provincial Convener of the Awaam Pakistan Party Balochistan and a prominent Business’ leader, stated that the tragedy at Gul Plaza, located in Karachi’s historic and commercial hub, is a national calamity. This incident has not only resulted in the loss of precious human lives but has also caused irreparable damage to Karachi’s economy and the trader community. The tragedy clearly exposes serious gaps in safety regulations, emergency response, and government planning, posing grave risks to the lives and property of citizens.
Syed Aman Shah said that Gul Plaza, one of Karachi’s busiest commercial centers with approximately 1,200 shops, was engulfed in a massive fire. As a result of this incident, several valuable lives were lost, many people were injured, and dozens were reported missing. According to initial reports, many shops were completely destroyed, reducing years of traders’ hard-earned investments to ashes.
He further stated that Karachi is a key pillar of Pakistan’s economy and the largest contributor of tax revenue in the country. It is deeply regrettable that a lack of safety measures, delays in emergency response, and negligence on the part of government institutions were clearly evident in this tragedy. This incident has exposed serious deficiencies in safety standards and administrative failures in a major commercial city like Karachi.
Syed Aman Shah emphasized that traders, citizens, and the families of the victims expect the government to conduct immediate, transparent, and impartial investigations, take strict action against those responsible, provide adequate compensation to the affected families and enforce effective fire safety laws to prevent such tragedies in the future.
He added that the Gul Plaza tragedy is not merely a commercial loss but a national wake-up call that highlights the dangers to human lives, traders’ livelihoods, and the country’s economy. The government and relevant authorities must thoroughly examine the causes behind this incident, strengthen safety systems and take practical steps for the rehabilitation and protection of the trader community.
