KARACHI (Dunya News) - The Sindh government spokesperson said that 40 per cent of the fire at Gul Plaza has been brought under control, while urging political groups not to politicise the tragic incident.
Speaking to Dunya News, Sindh government spokesperson Saadia Javed said that federal institutions, the Pakistan Navy, and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) staff are actively involved in firefighting efforts. She added that firefighters are facing difficulties entering the plaza, which is slowing down rescue operations.
She confirmed that five people have lost their lives in the fire, while 20 others were injured. She said the top priority is to extinguish the fire as soon as possible.
According to Saadia Javed, the blaze has been classified as a third-degree fire due to the presence of chemicals, fabric, and plastic materials inside the plaza. Rescue teams, fire brigade personnel, and both federal and provincial agencies are working continuously to control the fire.
She said rescue officials have reported that 40 per cent of the fire has been controlled so far, while three hydrants are currently supplying water. Ongoing Green Line construction on MA Jinnah Road has caused difficulties, forcing water tankers to approach from a distance.
The spokesperson further revealed that only two out of seven exits in the plaza were open at the time of the incident. She said strict action would be taken against anyone found negligent.
Saadia Javed added that PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari personally spoke with the Sindh Chief Minister and issued instructions regarding the incident. She stressed that tragedies should not be politicised, accusing MNA Munam Zafar of turning every issue into a political matter.