- Traders say goods worth more than Rs3 billion were destroyed.
- Each shop had stock worth Rs2.5 million to Rs3 million, mainly for Eid.
- Business groups and political parties demand a Rs5 billion relief package.
- KCCI forms a committee to assess losses and push for government support.
A massive fire broke out late Saturday night at Gul Plaza, a multistory shopping center on M.A. Jinnah Road in Karachi. The blaze spread quickly through the building, which housed around 1,200 shops selling garments, electronics, cosmetics, and household items.
Firefighters took more than 30 hours to bring the flames under control. At least 14 people have died, and dozens remain missing as rescue and search efforts continue.
Officials say the fire may have started from a short circuit in a shop before spreading due to flammable goods and poor ventilation in the structure.
Traders Estimate Huge Losses
According to the traders in Gul Plaza, the fire destroyed goods worth more than Rs3 billion. Atiq Mir, leader of the Traders Association, said each shop held stock worth Rs2.5 million to Rs3 million. He added that most of this stock was bought for Eid.
Business Groups Demand a Relief Package
Business leaders and political parties have asked the government to provide compensation to traders and families of the victims.
The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) held an emergency meeting. The meeting was led by Javed Bilwani, vice chairman of the Businessmen Group, and Rehan Hanif, KCCI president.
Participants expressed sorrow for the victims and announced full support for the affected traders. They formed a Gul Plaza Fire Incident Committee. The committee will check losses, coordinate relief work, and formally ask the government for help.
Traders’ representatives have demanded a Rs5 billion rehabilitation package. They want a package similar to the one given after the Bolton Market fire.
Officials and Traders Call for Government Support
Atiq Mir said all available resources were used to control the fire. He said the blaze could not be stopped in time, and many lives were lost. He asked the government to announce a full rehabilitation plan for traders.
Rizwan Irfan, president of the Karachi Electronics Dealers Association, appealed to the president, prime minister, Sindh chief minister, and Sindh governor. He asked them to provide relief, compensate losses, and support the families of the deceased.
