Families of people believed to be trapped in the devastating Gul Plaza fire in Karachi remain in a state of anguish as rescue efforts continue, with authorities admitting that there is still no confirmed information about the whereabouts of several individuals.
The fire, which broke out at the multi-storey commercial building, caused widespread panic in the surrounding area and led to the immediate evacuation of nearby shops and offices. Rescue teams from the fire brigade, police, and emergency services have been working around the clock to control the situation and search for those feared to be inside at the time of the incident.
Relatives of missing persons have gathered outside the site and at nearby hospitals, hoping for any news. Many families say they last spoke to their loved ones shortly before the fire erupted, after which all contact was lost. Scenes of grief and desperation have been witnessed as families move between rescue camps, hospitals, and police help desks in search of information.
Officials involved in the rescue operation said that thick smoke, structural damage, and the presence of flammable materials inside the building have made search efforts extremely difficult. While some individuals have been rescued and treated for injuries, authorities confirmed that the exact number of people still trapped or missing has not yet been determined.
Emergency services continue to use specialized equipment to access affected floors, while cooling operations are ongoing to prevent further flare-ups. Police have also launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire, including whether safety regulations were followed at the building.
Authorities have assured families that all possible resources are being deployed to locate those missing and that updates will be shared as soon as verified information becomes available. However, as hours pass with no clear answers, the wait has become increasingly painful for families, who remain at the site, clinging to hope amid uncertainty.
The Gul Plaza fire has once again raised serious concerns about fire safety measures in commercial buildings across Karachi, with calls growing for stricter enforcement and accountability to prevent such tragedies in the future.
