Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab on Monday visited the residence of firefighter Furqan, who embraced martyrdom during the rescue operation at Gul Plaza, to offer condolences and express deep sorrow over the tragic loss.
Officials said that during the visit, the mayor met with the bereaved family members, extended heartfelt sympathies, and paid tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Furqan. He stated that the firefighter laid down his life while performing his duties with exceptional bravery, dedication, and a strong sense of responsibility, setting a proud example of national service.
Wahab announced a financial assistance package of Rs10 million (one crore rupees) for the family of the martyred firefighter. He emphasized that no compensation can replace the loss of a loved one; however, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) stands firmly with the family during this difficult time.
The mayor further announced that the KMC will provide employment to Shaheed Furqan’s widow, ensuring long-term financial stability for the family. In addition, all educational expenses of the martyr’s child will be fully borne by the KMC, so that their future remains secure without any hindrance.
As a mark of respect and recognition for his extraordinary services, the mayor declared that Nazimabad Fire Station will be renamed after Shaheed Firefighter Furqan, ensuring that his sacrifice remains a lasting inspiration for future generations.
He also assured the family that all retirement-related financial benefits, salaries, and entitlements of Shaheed Furqan will continue to be paid regularly to his widow in accordance with applicable rules and regulations. He reiterated that the KMC stands shoulder to shoulder with its brave firefighters and will continue to support them in every challenging situation. He added that the sacrifices made by rescue workers and firefighters will always be honoured and protected.
MC Karachi Syed Muhammad Afzal Zaidi (PAS) and other senior officials accompanied the mayor during the condolence visit.
Action to be taken
Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab, while speaking to media representatives during his visit to Gul Plaza, said that so far 65 missing persons have been registered with the administration, out of whom 18 have been identified, while more bodies have been recovered and the identification process is underway. He added that once DNA reports are received, the bodies will be handed over to their families.
The mayor said rescue teams are currently present on the ground and working tirelessly. The affected families are going through immense grief and distress and need full government support during this difficult time, which is why government officials are present at the site. He made it clear that there is no room for sloganeering or political point-scoring in such circumstances, adding that “we are all one, and our objective is to stay among the people, face their problems, and resolve them.”
Wahab said three major decisions were taken in a meeting chaired by the chief minister. The first decision was to conduct a complete investigation into the incident, for which the Karachi commissioner has been tasked to thoroughly examine all aspects, including the building’s approved plans, permissions, number of shops, availability of fire safety exits, and the roles of the Fire Brigade and Rescue 1122. The second decision concerns financial assistance for the families of the deceased, and the third decision relates to shopkeepers and individuals whose livelihoods have been affected. In this regard, the minister for local government, the mayor, the commissioner, and representatives of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce will sit together to work on compensation and rehabilitation measures so that the affected individuals can be helped to stand on their own feet again.
According to initial information, he said, the first building plan of Gul Plaza was approved in the late 1990s, after which violations were identified and the building was later regularized. However, while 1,021 shops were approved, around 1,200 shops were present in practice. All these aspects are under investigation, and once the commissioner’s report is finalized, full details will be shared with the media and indiscriminate action will be taken wherever required.
