The devastating fire at Karachi’s iconic Gul Plaza shopping center has left the city in shock, with the showbiz industry joining the public in expressing grief over the tragedy.
The fire, which engulfed the entire building, has so far claimed the lives of 14 people, with dozens more injured and many still missing. Officials have warned that the death toll could rise as search and rescue operations continue. Authorities said the fire, which broke out on Saturday night, raged uncontrollably for about 33 hours before being largely contained by Monday morning, with cooling operations still underway.
The cultural and economic significance of Gul Plaza has been widely recognized. Actor Nauman Ijaz called the incident a moment of national mourning and offered prayers for the victims and their families. Actress Sajal Ali said she was heartbroken and extended her support to all affected. Alizeh Shah described the tragedy as “unbelievable” and prayed for the recovery of the injured and missing, while urging Karachi residents to stay strong and support one another.
Actor Ali Abbas highlighted the fire as a reflection of the city’s ongoing challenges and stressed the need for citizens to make informed decisions when choosing representatives. Aiman Khan and Madiha Imam also expressed condolences, with Imam emphasizing that Gul Plaza was more than a shopping center—it was part of Karachi’s cultural heritage. She estimated the financial losses from the fire to be between 20 and 25 million dollars, noting that the impact extends beyond traders to the entire city.
The showbiz industry’s response reflects deep empathy and solidarity with the victims, as artists continue to use their platforms to raise awareness and call for support for those affected by the disaster.