Gul Plaza secured, grieving families granted safe access as rescue operations conclude

2026-01-27 - 04:04

KARACHI – Authorities have secured the Gul Plaza in Karachi by placing iron supports after the search and rescue operation has been completed following a deadly fire that has claimed over 70 lives. The officials have assured the affected families and shopkeepers that they will be allowed to enter the premises safely, should they wish to retrieve belongings. The tragic fire, which broke out on the night of January 17 at 10:15 pm, led to the deaths of 73 people, with 23 of the victims identified so far. According to officials, an investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the blaze and to examine whether negligence or safety lapses contributed to the disaster. One major concern highlighted by the authorities is that many doors in the building were locked, and there was no emergency exit. The power cut further hindered people’s ability to escape. The government has filed a First Information Report (FIR) on January 23, which includes charges of manslaughter due to negligence and other related offenses. The FIR also pointed out the lack of fire safety measures in the building, such as fire extinguishers and emergency systems. Authorities are committed to uncovering the full scope of the disaster and ensuring accountability for the failure to provide adequate safety measures in the building. Farooq Sattar questions Sindh govt’s response to Gul Plaza tragedy