KARACHI, Pakistan – The devastating fire that ripped through a bustling shopping plaza in Karachi has claimed 67 lives, with 77 people still unaccounted for as rescue operations drag into their seventh day. The tragedy, which unfolded on January 17 at Gul Plaza, has ignited public fury and calls for accountability from top officials.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori has demanded a judicial probe into the incident, vowing to appeal directly to the Supreme Court and Sindh High Court chief justices. In a fiery press conference, Tessori declared, ‘Those responsible must be identified and punished without delay.’ He slammed the administration’s handling of the blaze and the subsequent rescue efforts, insisting no one should escape blame.
The fire reportedly started in a shop selling artificial flowers, where children were playing. Investigators believe the kids may have ignited matches or lighters, sparking stored goods before the flames spread via faulty electrical wiring. Contrary to initial fears, the blaze wasn’t triggered by an electrical short circuit.
District South Deputy Commissioner Javed Nabi Khoso confirmed the grim toll: 67 dead and 77 missing. Rescue teams continue sifting through the rubble, but progress has been painfully slow. On Thursday, distraught women from affected families gathered near the site, protesting the sluggish pace of operations.
This marks Karachi’s deadliest fire in over a decade, exposing glaring safety lapses in commercial buildings. As families cling to hope amid despair, the demand for swift justice grows louder. Authorities face mounting pressure to deliver answers and prevent future catastrophes.