Following the devastating Gul Plaza tragedy, the Karachi Electronics Dealers Association has announced a day of mourning and declared that all markets will remain closed today in a show of solidarity with the affected shopkeepers.
In a video statement on the Gul Plaza incident, the Association’s President, Rizwan Irfan, said that they would express solidarity with the shopkeepers affected by the tragedy. By closing the markets today, they aim to send a message that traders stand united.
He stated that more than 24 hours have passed since the fire broke out at Gul Plaza, resulting in losses worth billions of rupees. The building, which used to shine brightly until yesterday, has now been reduced to rubble.
The Association’s President added that shopkeepers and their workers were present in the building, and hundreds of shopkeepers are gathered outside the building. He described it as a massive tragedy, leaving all traders deeply distressed, with shopkeepers now taking to the streets.
Meanwhile, firefighting and rescue teams are set to expand their search operation at Karachi’s Gul Plaza shopping Centre after the blaze was fully extinguished in the early hours of Monday. Police said families of 59 missing individuals have contacted authorities and provided mobile numbers, adding that the locations of 26 people have been traced inside the building.
According to Rescue 1122 officials, teams were able to enter the charred building to begin searching for survivors and bodies, even as the cooling process continued.
The fire, which broke out late Saturday night at the shopping centre on MA Jinnah Road, was around 70 per cent contained by Sunday afternoon, officials said.
