Chairman Majlis Wahdat-e-Muslimeen (MWM) Pakistan Senator Allama Raja Nasir Abbas Jafri on Sunday night visited the commercial centre Gul Plaza along with Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly Mahmood Khan Achakzai and MWM Vice Chairman Allama Ahmed Iqbal Rizvi, describing the loss of life and property caused by the fire as a national tragedy.
The delegation was briefed by rescue agencies, the fire brigade and the administration on the ongoing operations. Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, Jafri said the tragedy was clear evidence of a grave failure of safety arrangements, warranting a thorough and transparent investigation to prevent such incidents in the future.
He demanded strict action against those responsible and called for immediate and adequate financial assistance for the affected families. He also urged the government and relevant institutions to take practical steps for the rehabilitation of victims, treatment of the injured, and compensation for losses suffered by affected traders.
The MWM chairman said this was not the first such incident in Karachi, noting that similar tragedies had occurred in the past but lessons had not been learned. He stressed that fire safety arrangements in all commercial buildings across the city must be reviewed afresh.
Referring to the scale of the disaster, he said the reduction of more than 1,000 shops to ashes, the loss of precious human lives, injuries to dozens of people and the disappearance of scores of citizens clearly demonstrated that the emergency response system in a mega city like Karachi had completely failed.
He termed it deeply unfortunate that despite the fire being limited in its initial stages, timely and effective action was not taken, raising serious questions about the availability of modern equipment, trained personnel and a clear operational strategy. He added that ground realities and statements by traders and eyewitnesses contradicted official claims, as rescue operations were still under way.
“If the system had been effective, dozens of families would not be wandering today in search of their loved ones,” he said, reiterating the demand for an impartial judicial-level inquiry into the tragedy.
Jafri expressed condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and sympathy with all affected families, saying the incident was a major shock for the entire city. He prayed for the forgiveness of the deceased and patience for their bereaved relatives. On the occasion, Allama Sadiq Jafri, Allama Mubashir Hassan, Razi Haider and other party leaders were also present.
