Karachi (January 19, 2026): Former Chairman of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) and Convener of the FPCCI Standing Committee on Energy, Rafiq Suleman, while expressing deep sorrow over the fire at Gul Plaza Shopping Centre and the martyrdom of nearly two dozen people, stated that the Labour Department, Fire Safety authorities, and Civil Defence have failed to fulfill their responsibilities. He demanded that the government conduct a transparent inquiry and award the strictest punishments to any institution or individual whose negligence or incompetence is proven in the Gul Plaza tragedy.
Rafiq Suleman said that initial assessments indicate negligence on the part of the Fire Brigade. He added that it is alarming that tanker mafia across the city remains busy stealing and selling water, yet whenever a fire incident occurs, the Fire Brigade is seen complaining about water shortages.
He called upon the Supreme Court to immediately take suo motu notice of the incident, and urged the government to form a committee including representatives from FPCCI, KCCI, the Gul Plaza Association, and other trader bodies to focus urgently on the rehabilitation of the affected people and to provide full financial assistance.
Rafiq Suleman stated that more than 21 people lost their lives in the Gul Plaza tragedy, while approximately 73 individuals are still missing. He emphasized that fire alarms are the most critical requirement for saving human lives. He pointed out that whenever such incidents occur, the government announces that fire safety measures will be implemented in commercial buildings, but these statements eventually fade away without action.
He further recalled that similar incidents had occurred in Bolton Market and Cooperative Market in the past, and that President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari had formed a committee under the leadership of the late Siraj Kassam Teli to provide financial assistance to the affected traders of Bolton Market. He appealed to the federal government and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari to take emergency measures for the restoration of the affected traders’ businesses.
He concluded by saying that the business community will fully cooperate with its affected members; however, federal and provincial government ministers must take practical steps instead of issuing mere statements.
