KARACHI: Opposition parties, along with representatives of traders’ associations and families affected by the Gul Plaza fire, on Tuesday announced a peaceful protest after Friday prayers on January 23 outside the destroyed commercial centre, condemning what they described as criminal negligence by the government, poor fire safety standards and inadequate support for victims.
The announcement was made during a joint press conference held outside Gul Plaza and hosted by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI). Several political and religious parties participated, reflecting broad-based opposition to the handling of the tragedy.
Those addressing the media included PTI Sindh President Haleem Adil Sheikh, senior PTI leader Firdous Shamim Naqvi, Grand Democratic Alliance (GDA) leaders Dr Safdar Abbasi and Sardar Abdul Rahim, Sindh United Party’s Advocate Naveed Ahmed, and representatives of the Shia Ulema Council, Sunni Tehreek, Balochistan Awami Party, and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam (Sherani faction).
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During the press conference, the participants issued a joint declaration titled “Gul Plaza Tragedy, Karachi”, criticising systemic failures in governance, fire safety enforcement, emergency response and municipal preparedness. While strongly condemning official negligence, the declaration praised firefighters and rescue workers for their bravery, calling them national heroes who operated despite severe shortages of equipment and resources.
The declaration highlighted widespread non-compliance with fire safety regulations, lack of protective gear for emergency responders, weak coordination among municipal bodies, and what it termed insufficient relief and compensation for victims and affected shopkeepers.
Speakers demanded immediate financial assistance for shopkeepers and families who suffered losses in the fire, as well as a clear rehabilitation plan. They also pointed to what they described as economic injustice, noting that Karachi generates nearly 65 per cent of Pakistan’s revenue and about 90 per cent of Sindh’s revenue, yet remains vulnerable during major emergencies.
PTI’s Haleem Adil Sheikh called for compensation for affected traders, reconstruction of Gul Plaza, and an independent inquiry within one week. He also demanded legal action against allegedly negligent officials of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, the mayor’s office, and other municipal authorities. Additional demands included the establishment of at least 25 new fire stations, a citywide fire safety audit, restructuring of the fire brigade, insurance coverage for field staff, and overall improvement of Karachi’s infrastructure.
Mr Sheikh said that several days after the fire, families remained distressed and debris had yet to be fully cleared, holding the Sindh government and the Karachi mayor responsible. Other speakers echoed the call for public protest, warning that patience was wearing thin and reaffirming solidarity with the affected traders and families.
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