KARACHI: Opposition parties along with representatives of multiple political parties, traders’ associations and victims of the Gul Plaza fire on Tuesday announced a peaceful protest after Friday prayers (Jan 23) outside the destroyed business centre to condemn “criminal negligence of the government, poor fire safety measures and lack of support for the victims’ families”.

The announcement was made at a joint press conference held outside Gul Plaza, hosted by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf.

Those who addressed the press conference included PTI Sindh president Haleem Adil Sheikh, senior leader Firdous Shamim Naqvi, Grand Democratic Alliance leaders Dr Safdar Abbasi and Sardar Abdul Rahim, Sindh United Party’s Advocate Naveed Ahmed as well as representatives of the Shia Ulema Council, Sunni Tehreek, Balochistan Awami Party and JUI (Sherani faction).

During the press conference, participants released a joint declaration titled “Gul Plaza Tragedy, Karachi,” criticising failures in governance, fire safety, emergency response, and municipal preparedness. The declaration praised firefighters and rescue personnel for their bravery despite severe shortages of equipment, calling them national heroes rather than culprits.

They highlighted widespread non-compliance with fire safety laws, lack of protective equipment, weak coordination at municipal levels, and insufficient relief for victims.

They called for urgent support for affected shopkeepers and families. The declaration also underscored economic injustice, noting that Karachi generates nearly 65 per cent of Pakistan’s revenue and 90 per cent of Sindh’s revenue, yet residents of the city remain unprotected during time of crises.

PTI’s Haleem Adil Sheikh sought compensation for affected shopkeepers, reconstruction of Gul Plaza, an independent inquiry within one week, legal action against negligent officials of Sindh Building Control Authority, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, the mayor’s office, and municipal authorities, establishment of at least 25 new fire stations, comprehensive fire safety audit, restructuring of the fire brigade, insurance for field staff, and overall improvement of Karachi’s infrastructure.

He said that four days after the fire, victims’ families had remained distressed, debris had not been cleared, and over 100 lives had been lost. He held the Sindh government and Karachi mayor responsible.

Firdous Shamim Naqvi added that public protest was necessary to stop injustice.

GDA’s Dr Safdar Abbasi criticised the Sindh government’s “incompetence and corruption”, while Sardar Abdul Rahim warned that public patience was running out. He expressed solidarity with victims and condemned “systemic” negligence reaffirming support for the traders who have suffered losses.municipal levels, and insufficient relief for victims.

They called for urgent support for affected shopkeepers and families. The declaration also underscored economic injustice, noting that Karachi generates nearly 65 per cent of Pakistan’s revenue and 90 per cent of Sindh’s revenue, yet residents of the city remain unprotected during time of crises.

PTI’s Haleem Adil Sheikh sought compensation for affected shopkeepers, reconstruction of Gul Plaza, an independent inquiry within one week, legal action against negligent officials of Sindh Building Control Authority, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, the mayor’s office, and municipal authorities, establishment of at least 25 new fire stations, comprehensive fire safety audit, restructuring of the fire brigade, insurance for field staff, and overall improvement of Karachi’s infrastructure.

He said that four days after the fire, victims’ families had remained distressed, debris had not been cleared, and over 100 lives had been lost. He held the Sindh government and Karachi mayor responsible.

Firdous Shamim Naqvi added that public protest was necessary to stop injustice.

GDA’s Dr Safdar Abbasi criticised the Sindh government’s “incompetence and corruption”, while Sardar Abdul Rahim warned that public patience was running out. He expressed solidarity with victims and condemned “systemic” negligence reaffirming support for the traders who have suffered losses.

Published in Dawn, January 21st, 2026