Karachi: 19 January 2026: To express solidarity with the families of those who lost their lives and the business community affected by the Gul Plaza tragedy, President of Pakistan Muslim League (N) Business Forum Ishtiaq
Baig, along with senior members of the Business Forum, visited the site.
Talking to the media, Ishtiaq Baig said that Karachi is Pakistan’s economic hub and the highest tax-paying city, contributing approximately Rs. 3.5 trillion in taxes during FY 2024–25. He stated that Karachiites have the right to
question where their tax money is being spent, adding that repeated incidents of fires in commercial centers threaten the safety of the city’s business hubs.
He said that the tragedy affected not just one plaza but around 1,200 shopkeepers, impacting the livelihoods of more than 4,000 people.
Ishtiaq Baig demanded immediate compensation for the families of the deceased and affected victims, the formation of a high-level inquiry committee, and registration of criminal cases against those responsible for
negligence. He also appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to announce the construction of a new building at the site to help restore the livelihoods of the affected shopkeepers.
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