Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has offered full assistance to the Sindh government following the fire at Gul Plaza.
According to details surfaced on Sunday, during a telephonic conversation with the Sindh chief minister, the prime minister expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives caused by the blaze at Gul Plaza. He conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and said the federal government stood with the affected people and the Sindh government in this time of grief.
The prime minister said an effective system to control fires in urban areas was essential. He added that the federal government was ready to assist in establishing a coordinated mechanism to prevent such incidents in the future.
It may be recalled that the fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi could not be extinguished even after 24 hours. So far, six people, including a firefighter, have died, while more than 30 others have been injured. Authorities have confirmed that over 50 people are missing.
The ground and mezzanine floors of Gul Plaza have been completely gutted by the fire. Several portions of the already unsafe building have collapsed.
Earlier reports said the flames continued to rage even after 20 hours. Hundreds of shopkeepers suffered heavy losses, as years of savings were reduced to ashes.
Following the tragedy, a desk for missing persons has been set up at the DC office. Dozens of families have approached the desk to register complaints regarding their missing relatives.
