Management rejects claims of locked exits during deadly Karachi blaze
Karachi: The president of the Gul Plaza Management Committee, Tanveer Pasta, has dismissed claims that doors were locked during the deadly Gul Plaza fire, stating that all exits were open at the time of the incident.
Speaking to the media, Tanveer Pasta said misleading information was circulating on social media suggesting that doors were shut when the fire broke out. He clarified that because all doors were open, hundreds of people managed to evacuate the building safely. According to him, more than 4,000 people were present in the market at the time of the fire, many of whom escaped, while several others became trapped.
He added that electricity was immediately cut off as a safety measure to prevent further damage from a possible short circuit. Tanveer Pasta expressed deep sorrow over the loss of human lives and said rescue operations were being carried out smoothly based on the committee’s recommendations to recover those trapped under the debris.
Highlighting the financial losses suffered by traders, he urged the government to announce compensation at the earliest. He also brushed off criticism against him on social media, stating that he stands with the affected shopkeepers and has no connection with RJ Mall, clarifying that the ownership of Gul Plaza and RJ Mall is separate.
Authorities continue investigations into the cause of the fire as rescue efforts remain underway.
