Karachi woke up to heartbreak once again as flames swallowed Gul Plaza, one of the city’s busiest commercial hubs, leaving behind ashes, grief, and unanswered questions. What was once a thriving center of trade now stands as a haunting reminder of how devastating neglect can be.
The deadly fire tore through the building late Saturday night, raging uncontrollably for over a day. It was only after nearly 33 exhausting hours that firefighters managed to bring the inferno under control. By then, the damage had already been done. At least 14 lives have been confirmed lost, while several others remain injured. With many people still unaccounted for, fears continue to grow that the death toll may rise further.
Beyond the human cost, early assessments suggest losses running into billions of rupees, dealing another blow to an already struggling business community. But numbers alone fail to capture the magnitude of pain being felt across the city.
As news of the tragedy spread, Pakistani celebrities took to social media, not just to mourn the victims but also to express frustration over a system that continues to fail its people.
Veteran actor Nauman Ijaz described the incident as a collective tragedy for the nation. In an emotional message, he offered prayers for those who lost loved ones and urged strength and patience for families whose lives were turned upside down overnight.
Sajal Aly echoed similar sentiments, calling the incident heartbreaking and extending her prayers to everyone affected. Her words reflected the helplessness many Pakistanis feel whenever such disasters strike.
