As the deadly fire continues at Karachi Gul Plaza shopping mall, several roads have been closed by the traffic police to avoid further damage.
According to Karachi Traffic Police, diversion has been implemented from Uncle Saria Bridge to Tanki Chowk and towards Garden Chowk.
The road is also closed from Tibet Chowk towards Garden Chowk, M.A. Jinnah Road, and from Uncle Saria Chowk to Central Plaza via Martin Road. Traffic will be diverted from Tibet Chowk towards Jubilee.
The general public is requested to contact the traffic helpline 1915 to choose alternative routes in order to avoid trouble and inconvenience.
“Traffic police are present and managing the flow of traffic. We are your companions on your journey,” the traffic police.
Death toll rises to six, more than 30 injured in Gul Plaza fire
The death toll has risen to six in the Gil Plaza fire, with more than 30 people being reported as injured.
According to the reports, over 150 people have been rescued from the fire. Authorities have also warned that the building could collapse.
A firefighter named Furqan, from Nazimabad Fire Office, was recovered from the rubble and brought to the Civil Hospital Trauma Centre, but he couldn’t survive.
Teams from the Pakistan Navy are also assisting in the rescue efforts. Firefighters are using water bowsers to control the blaze. Fire brigade officials have classified the fire as a third-degree fire.
Officials said the intensity of the fire increased due to the narrow passages and flammable materials inside the building.
Three fire brigade vehicles and 20 snorkels are currently being used to fight the fire, and additional firefighting equipment has been requested from across the city.
Governor Sindh expressed gratitude to the Pakistan Navy for sending water bowsers.
Police officials said Gul Plaza has four floors and more than a thousand shops. Rangers personnel are assisting rescue teams in the operations.
Citizens in the area of MA Jinnah Road have been evacuated for safety.
PM Shehbaz orders special measures for Karachi’s Gul Plaza fire victims
Prime Minister (PM) Shehbaz Sharif expressed grief over the fire incident at Gul Plaza in Karachi.
PM Office Media Wing said in a press release that the prime minister shared the grief of the families of those who lost their lives in the inferno.
The prime minister directed that all possible measures should be taken to ensure the protection of people’s lives and property.
He further asked that all possible assistance should be provided to the affected traders and other individuals, besides all relevant departments should work together in the rescue operation.
Pakistan Rangers rescue efforts underway at Gul Plaza fire
Pakistan Rangers are carrying out rescue efforts at the Gul Plaza fire in Karachi.
A fire broke out at Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road on Saturday. Sindh Rangers personnel joined the rescue operation immediately.
Following special instructions from the DG Rangers Sindh, well-trained Rangers teams reached the site without delay.
Rangers personnel are working closely with the fire brigade in rescue and relief operations, according to the latest reports.
Officers and troops will remain at the site until the operation is complete.
A cordon has been set up around the affected building. A large number of Rangers have been deployed to maintain traffic flow and ensure public safety.
Rangers are assisting fire tenders and helping evacuate people trapped inside the building.
Measures are also being taken to protect valuable property and belongings.
The top priority is to save lives and prevent the fire from spreading further, reports say.
