The traders’ representatives demanded a rehabilitation package of Rs 5 billion for the victims of Gul Plaza.
Firefighters use a snorkel to put out flames after a fire broke out at Gul Plaza market in Karachi. Photo:
Following the devastating fire at Gul Plaza, political parties and business groups have demanded compensation for the losses suffered by merchants and the families of the victims.
Opposition parties criticized the government over the incident and expressed solidarity with the traders who have lost their livelihoods, while also expressing condolences to the families of the fire victims.
An emergency meeting of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) was called, chaired by Entrepreneurs Group Vice President Javed Bilwani and KCCI President Rehan Hanif.
The participants expressed their deep regret over the tragedy, expressed their condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and announced their full solidarity with the affected merchants.
The meeting also announced the formation of a Gul Plaza Fire Incident Committee to coordinate relief efforts, assess losses and formally approach the government for compensation and rehabilitation of affected businesses.
Meanwhile, representatives of small traders demanded a Rs 5 billion rehabilitation package for Gul Plaza victims, similar to the package announced after the Bolton market fire.
Chairman of All Karachi Traders Alliance Atiq Mir while reviewing the firefighting operation from a snorkel said that all available resources were deployed to control the fire but it could not be brought under control in time resulting in loss of precious lives. He urged the government to announce a comprehensive rehabilitation package for the affected traders.
Karachi Electronics Dealers Association President Rizwan Irfan appealed to President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori to provide help to the traders, compensate the losses and express solidarity with the families of the deceased.
Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi chief Munam Zafar Khan along with party leaders including Sindh Assembly member Muhammad Farooq visited the spot. He also carried out a night inspection with Alkhidmat rescuers to review relief activities.
Later, addressing the media, Munam Zafar said the absence of essential firefighting chemicals, carbon dioxide and modern firefighting facilities in a major city was proof that institutions had been deliberately weakened. “Corruption has hollowed out all institutions and innocent citizens are paying the price,” he added.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and Sindh Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. Kamal said the federal government was ready to provide all possible assistance to the Sindh government.
Governor Sindh Kamran Tessori, along with MQM leaders and members of the national and provincial assemblies, visited the site and directed authorities to further enhance relief and rescue operations. MQM demanded financial assistance for the families of the deceased, medical treatment for the injured and help for the affected trader community.
Karachi Central Muslim League president Ahmed Nadeem Awan said the incident once again exposed the apathy of the city administration. He added that party volunteers remained present at the scene throughout the night after the fire.
Pakistani President Sunni Tehreek, Engineer Muhammad Sarwat Ijaz Qadri, Central President Sahibzada Allama Bilal Abbas Qadri and General Secretary Sahibzada Allama Bilal Saleem Qadri Shami expressed their deep sorrow over the tragedy. They urged the Sindh Chief Minister, Local Government Minister and relevant officials to strictly enforce safety standards from approval to completion of buildings, including fire alarms, emergency exits, fire equipment and comprehensive emergency preparedness.
Pakistan Muslim League Sindh Functional General Secretary Sardar Abdul Rahim, PML-Q Sindh Information Secretary Muhammad Sadiq Sheikh and Tehreek-e-Tahaffuz-e-Ain Pakistan spokesperson Akhunzada Hussain Ahmed also expressed grief and asked the government to immediately announce adequate financial assistance to the families of the dead, the injured and the traders whose shops and livelihoods were destroyed in the fire.
