Angry crowds chant slogans against Mayor Murtaza Wahab during his visit to the fire-hit plaza
KARACHI: Public anger flared at Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road when Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab arrived at the site of the devastating fire. Protesters raised slogans against the mayor, blaming authorities for alleged negligence.
Video footage circulating on social media shows people chanting slogans such as “Mayor, Mayor, Killer Mayor” as Murtaza Wahab reached the scene. The incident highlights growing frustration among affected traders and families.
Speaking to the media during his visit, the mayor stated that the fire had largely been brought under control and cooling operations were underway. However, he declined to provide a specific timeframe for complete extinguishment.
He said firefighters had been working continuously since the previous night, adding that two fire tenders reached the site within minutes and authorities declared the blaze severe within the first 15 minutes. According to the mayor, the entire firefighting team was present at the site by 11 pm.
Murtaza Wahab acknowledged public distress, saying people were in pain and fear, and stressed the need to boost morale during the crisis. He also confirmed that 65 individuals were still reported missing following the Gul Plaza fire.
