Foreign missions express condolences over Gul Plaza fire in Karachi

Several foreign missions, including the United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, Iran, and Turkiye, expressed deep sorrow over the deadly fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza Shopping Centre, which claimed multiple lives.

At least 26 people had been confirmed dead at the time of reporting, and more than 80 were still missing, according to data provided by rescue officials.

The blaze erupted late Saturday night at Gul Plaza, a multi-storey shopping mall located on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi, which housed over 1,200 shops.

The US Consulate General Karachi extended “deepest condolences to the people of Karachi and to the families of those who lost their lives in the tragic fire at Gul Plaza.”

In a statement, the consulate recognised the courage and dedication of the first responders who worked under challenging conditions.

“The United States stands in solidarity with our Pakistani friends and colleagues as the community mourns, recovers, and works together to prevent such tragedies in the future,” it said.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Embassy in Pakistan also expressed deep sorrow over the incident. In a statement shared on social media, the embassy said it was “deeply saddened by the tragic loss caused by the devastating fire incident in Karachi’s Gul Plaza”.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the deceased, express our sincere sympathies to their families, and wish for the early recovery of the injured,” the statement read.

READ MORE: In Pictures: Devastating Gul Plaza fire and ongoing rescue mission

France, too, expressed grief over the incident. In a statement, the French Embassy said it deeply mourned the loss of several precious lives in the tragic fire and extended sincere condolences to the bereaved families, standing with the people of Pakistan in this time of grief.

In a message, Akbar Eisa Zadeh, Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Karachi, said he had learned of the tragic incident with “profound sorrow and deep regret”.

He extended condolences to the Sindh government, including the governor and chief minister, the people of Karachi, and the bereaved families.

“I pray to Almighty God to grant divine mercy to those who lost their lives in this incident and to bestow patience and perseverance upon the survivors,” the Iranian consul general said.

READ MORE:Death toll in Karachi’s Gul Plaza fire rises to 28; over 80 still missing

Iranian Ambassador to Pakistan Dr Reza Amiri-Moghadam also conveyed heartfelt condolences.

In a statement posted on the social media platform X, he said at least 14 Pakistani men and women had lost their lives in the tragedy.

“My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the families who lost their loved ones in this heartbreaking incident,” he said, adding that he was praying for the speedy recovery of the injured.

The ambassador also prayed for the strength and safety of rescue teams and police personnel carrying out relief operations.

The United Kingdom joined in expressing sorrow. British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott said she was heartbroken by the tragic fire at Gul Plaza.

“My thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones, the injured, and all those anxiously awaiting news as rescue efforts continue,” she wrote on X.

Russia also expressed regret over the incident. The Russian Embassy said it was deeply saddened by the tragic fire and conveyed heartfelt condolences to the people of Pakistan, sharing the grief of the bereaved families and wishing a speedy recovery to the injured.

Türkiye likewise extended condolences. In a statement, the Turkish Embassy expressed solidarity with Pakistan, offering prayers for the deceased and for the swift recovery of those injured, and reaffirmed support for the “friendly and brotherly people of Pakistan” during this difficult time.