By our correspondent
KARACHI: Chairman Mohajir Qaumi Movement-Haqiqi (MQM-H) Afaq Ahmed has strongly condemned remarks by the Pakistan Peoples Party in the National Assembly referring to the Gul Plaza fire as a routine accident, calling the characterization both insensitive and misleading.
Speaking in a statement today, Afaq Ahmed highlighted the scale of the tragedy, noting that 61 bodies have been recovered so far while hundreds remain missing. He described the fire as one of the worst human catastrophes in Karachi’s history, asserting that the provincial government’s administrative negligence cannot be ignored.
“This fire destroyed the livelihoods of hundreds of families and left many homes in ruins,” Afaq Ahmed said. “Calling it a routine accident adds insult to injury and is unacceptable to the victims and the citizens of Karachi.” He added that the Sindh government and its subordinate agencies bear the primary responsibility for the incident.
Afaq Ahmed called for immediate relief for the victims, emphasizing that the one-crore-per-person compensation announced by the Chief Minister of Sindh should be distributed without delay. In addition, he urged authorities to provide temporary shops in the nearby Parking Plaza for affected traders until alternative arrangements can be made, enabling them to resume their businesses.
Addressing broader concerns about the causes of the fire, the MQM-H chairperson stated: “Time will determine whether this was an accident or a deliberate act, but to ensure accountability, a judicial commission must be formed to investigate the incident fully and identify the individuals and institutions responsible for any negligence.”
The MQM-H also demanded that rescue operations be accelerated to locate missing persons and provide immediate assistance to all affected families, stressing that the tragedy should not be politicized and that transparent investigations must guide remedial action.
