Gul Plaza president rejects negligence claims, vows reconstruction

Gul Plaza President Tanveer Pasta has rejected allegations that exit gates were closed at the time of the fire, questioning how such a large number of people managed to escape if that had been the case.

He said the plaza has a total of 16 entry and exit points, along with an emergency ramp at the rear of the building.

Tanveer Pasta stated that neither he nor the plaza management has ever held out a hand for charity, nor will they do so in the future.

He added that the Sindh government has fulfilled its promise and that lists of affected individuals are currently being prepared.

He further appealed to the federal government for support, stressing that even small shopkeepers would not beg for assistance. “We will not ask for alms. We will take our rightful support with dignity,” he said, expressing confidence that Gul Plaza would be rebuilt very soon.

The Gul Plaza president acknowledged that no amount of compensation could truly console the families who lost their loved ones.

“Those who have lost someone can never be fully satisfied, as no one can bring back the deceased,” he said. However, he added that financial assistance could help the affected families, particularly women, in rebuilding their lives.

It may be recalled that a massive fire broke out at Gul Plaza at around 10:15pm on Saturday, 17 January. Firefighting efforts continued for nearly 36 hours before the blaze was brought under control, during which approximately 40 per cent of the building collapsed.