KARACHI: Salman Iqbal, President of the World Memon Organization (WMO), expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and missing persons in the devastating Gul Plaza fire, urging authorities to take immediate and decisive action.
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In a formal statement, Iqbal emphasized that Karachi’s status as an economic hub cannot be sustained if basic safety systems and emergency response mechanisms repeatedly fail. He raised concerns over the delayed arrival of fire tenders and the critical shortage of water, which severely hampered rescue operations and resulted in the destruction of livelihoods for thousands of traders and laborers.
He noted that a significant majority of the affected shopkeepers and workers at Gul Plaza belong to the Memon community, many of whom lost their life savings. “Their years of hard work have been reduced to ashes in this horrific incident,” Iqbal said.
The WMO President called the tragedy a “moment of reflection” for authorities, highlighting that recurring fire incidents in Karachi’s commercial centers point to systemic failures in fire safety, emergency preparedness, and accountability. He stressed that condolences alone are insufficient, urging the provision of immediate financial aid, full rehabilitation, and justice for victims.
Iqbals also announced plans to personally meet with affected traders and pledged that the WMO would coordinate with government officials to ensure compensation and assistance for recovery.
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He demanded that the Sindh Government take the following measures: announce an immediate relief and compensation package, form an independent high-level inquiry to investigate the causes and failures, launch a comprehensive plan for restoration and reconstruction of Gul Plaza, and strictly enforce fire and building safety laws across Karachi to prevent further tragedies.