President Asks Sindh Government to Strengthen Fire Safety Measures After Gul Plaza Tragedy

Independent Report
Islamabad | January 18, 2026
President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, spoke with the Chief Minister of Sindh regarding the ongoing fire at Gul Plaza, Karachi, which remains uncontrolled even after 24 hours despite intensive firefighting and rescue efforts.
The President emphasized that all available resources must be deployed to ensure the success of the ongoing rescue and fire containment operations. He praised the bravery of firefighter Furqan Shaukat, who was martyred during the incident, and recommended that the Sindh government nominate him for a civil award in recognition of his courage.
President Zardari instructed the Sindh government to take immediate steps for the medical care of the injured and rehabilitation of affected families. He also highlighted the urgent need to modernize fire safety regulations and inspection systems in both commercial and residential buildings to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The President reiterated that safeguarding lives and property is a top priority and that all preventive and corrective measures must be implemented without delay to protect citizens from such catastrophic events.