Traders Fear Massive Losses as Gul Plaza Fire Guts Over 1,000 Shops

KARACHI: Traders at Gul Plaza faced devastation and uncertainty on Sunday as a deadly fire reduced more than 1,000 shops to ashes, raising fears of losses amounting to billions of rupees while dozens of people remained unaccounted for.

The fire, which broke out late Saturday night at the shopping mall on M.A. Jinnah Road, raged for over 24 hours before being brought under control. Rescue teams launched a search operation late Sunday night after the building was declared safe enough to enter.

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The All City Traders Ittehad Association (ACTIA) estimated losses of Rs2 to Rs2.5 billion, including damage to goods, infrastructure and reconstruction costs. Association leaders said around 1,200 traders had been affected, many of whom had stocked merchandise ahead of the Eid season.

Hundreds of shop owners gathered near the site, watching helplessly as smoke rose from the burnt structure. Several traders told media that years of savings and livelihoods were wiped out within hours. “Everything was inside the plaza,” one trader said, adding that he had no alternative source of income.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah confirmed six fatalities, including a firefighter, and said over 50 people were reported missing. He added that 22 injured persons were treated and discharged. Authorities set up helplines to collect information about missing individuals.

Rescue officials said the operation was hindered by the presence of highly flammable materials such as clothing, cosmetics and electrical appliances. Parts of the old building collapsed due to the intensity of the fire, making access difficult and dangerous.

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured assistance for affected traders and families. The prime minister directed relevant departments to provide relief and rehabilitation to those impacted.

The Sindh government said a complete assessment of losses would be conducted before announcing compensation. CM Murad ordered an inquiry into the incident and directed authorities to strictly enforce fire safety laws, particularly in older commercial buildings.

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