By our correspondent
KARACHI: The Pakistan Justice Association (PJA) has expressed its full support for the business community in Karachi following the devastating fire at Gul Plaza, emphasizing the need for a transparent investigation and careful reconstruction of the site.
Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, PJA Chairman Sardar Muhammad Iqbal, accompanied by Ashraf Jabbar Qureshi, Zohaib Tahir, Beshab Simon, Dr. Naseeruddin Shaheen, Amr Riaz, and other officials, described the fire as a tragedy that impacted both human lives and livelihoods. “Gul Plaza was not merely a building; it was the center of employment, investment, and years of hard work for dozens of families,” said Sardar Muhammad Iqbal.
The Chairman condemned the loss of lives and highlighted the severe financial and emotional consequences for traders, employees, and affected families. He raised urgent questions regarding the incident, asking whether all safety measures were in place and whether future decisions regarding the site would serve the public interest. “We demand a complete, impartial, and transparent inquiry into the fire so that the truth is revealed and anyone found negligent or malicious is held accountable under the law,” he said.
PJA leaders also emphasized the importance of limiting the height of any new construction on the Gul Plaza site. They warned that allowing a building taller than three stories could set a dangerous precedent, creating a rationale to demolish other older commercial buildings under the guise of redevelopment. “Such a trend would be detrimental not only to the city but also to the business community, fostering insecurity and uncertainty among traders about their property,” the statement read.
While advocating for urban development, the PJA stressed that progress must occur within the framework of law, fairness, and transparency. The association warned against using tragedies for commercial gain, pointing to previous allegations of negligence against the Sindh government.
The press conference concluded with a set of specific appeals to the government and relevant authorities: to conduct a full investigation into the fire, provide immediate relief to affected traders, respect the original layout and boundaries during reconstruction, and ensure that the new building does not exceed three stories. “Our goal is to see Gul Plaza restored, but only with justice, safety, and confidence for the people and businesses involved,” Sardar Muhammad Iqbal affirmed.
The Pakistan Justice Association’s statement underlines the growing demand for accountability and regulated redevelopment in Karachi’s commercial sectors in the wake of one of the city’s most tragic recent incidents.
