Ahmed Chohan expresses grief over tragic fire incident at Gul Plaza

HYDERABAD: The Acting President of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders and Small Industry (HCSTSI), Ahmed Idrees Chohan, has expressed deep sorrow and grief over the tragic fire incident at the renowned commercial center, Gul Plaza, Karachi.

He stated that this heart-breaking tragedy has not only claimed several precious human lives but has also destroyed the livelihoods of hundreds of families within moments. He said that according to the information received so far, dozens of people have lost their lives, many are still missing, and hundreds of shops have been reduced to ashes, resulting in business losses amounting to billions of rupees. This tragedy is a wound not only for the affected families but for the entire business community.

Chohan urged the government and concerned authorities to immediately provide financial assistance, compensation, and a comprehensive rehabilitation package for the affected traders and workers so that they may stand on their feet again.

He further highlighted a harsh reality, stating that this incident has dealt a severe blow to the business community’s confidence in government institutions and their arrangements for saving human lives.

Despite regularly paying taxes, traders continue to suffer from the absence of basic human facilities and an effective rescue system. He emphasized that the time has come for the business community to establish its own civil rescue, fire fighting, and civic service systems using its tax contributions, as trust in public institutions has been seriously shaken.

Expressing heartfelt sympathy, Ahmed Idrees Chohan said that the grief of the families who have lost their loved ones cannot be described in words.

He prayed that Almighty Allah grants the deceased the highest place in Jannah, blesses the injured with speedy recovery, and ensures the safe return of the missing.

He warned that if immediate and concrete measures are not taken, such tragedies will continue to engulf our cities and businesses in the future.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026