Traders affected by the devastating Gul Plaza fire in Karachi have urged the government to provide an immediate financial package to rebuild the shopping centre and restore their businesses. The blaze, which broke out late Saturday, raged for over 33 hours before being brought under control on Monday, claiming at least 14 lives.
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Speaking at a press conference outside the gutted building, Gul Plaza Traders Association Chairman Mohammad Ismail and Pakistan Cereal Association Chairman Muzammil Rauf Chappal demanded a transparent inquiry to identify those responsible for negligence. They criticised the city government for the delayed response, saying the fire brigade arrived late and without sufficient water, allowing the fire to engulf the entire building.
The traders said that over 1,200 shops were completely destroyed, resulting in millions of rupees in losses and leaving hundreds of business owners financially ruined. They warned that more than 6,000 employees had lost their jobs, leaving families without a source of income. The business leaders called for at least six months of financial assistance for affected workers to sustain their livelihoods.
The traders also pressed the government to intensify rescue operations to ensure that no one remained trapped inside the building. They emphasised the need for collaboration between public and private sectors to fund the reconstruction of Gul Plaza, restoring both businesses and employment.
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“The delay in emergency response put precious lives at risk,” said Ismail, highlighting the shortage of resources and inadequate support from authorities during the crisis. The traders insist that without immediate financial intervention and a coordinated rebuilding effort, the economic and social impact of the fire will continue to devastate Karachi’s business community.