Karachi traders are observing a day of mourning on Monday over the tragic fire at Gul Plaza, which claimed several lives and caused massive property losses.
Chairman of the Karachi Traders’ Alliance, Atiq Mir, announced that traders will partially suspend business activities to express solidarity with the victims. He said markets will hold prayer ceremonies, while some traders may hoist black flags as a sign of grief.
Mir stated that the Gul Plaza fire caused an estimated loss of Rs3 billion and urged the government to take immediate steps to compensate affected traders and families of the victims. He said the business community decided to observe the mourning day to highlight the scale of the tragedy.
Traders earlier voiced concern over the lack of adequate firefighting resources, saying the shortage contributed to the heavy loss of life.
Meanwhile, Gul Plaza Traders Association President Tanveer Qasim expressed deep sorrow over the incident. Speaking to a private media channel, he said property losses were secondary and questioned who would compensate for the loss of human lives. He added that fears remain that several people may still be trapped inside the building and said traders have been unable to contact at least 12 individuals.
Also Read, ‘We have no information’: Families await answers after Gul Plaza fire
Families are still searching for their loved ones who went missing after the Gul Plaza fire.
A woman talked to the media, saying, “I found out at 9 o’clock when my other son, who was going to church, called me and said, ‘Amma, come fast, my brother is missing,’” she said.
“My young son… there is no information about him,” she cried.
A man searching for six members of his family said that they had visited the plaza for wedding shopping.
According to South Deputy Commissioner (DC) Javed Nabi Khoso, fire has been brought under control by up to 70 per cent.
He said their information desk has received the names of 16 missing people from their families so far.
