ISLAMABAD, JAN 23 /DNA/ : The Parliament on Friday adopted a resolution expressing profound grief over the deadly fire at Gul Plaza Shopping Mall in Karachi, paying tribute to the victims and calling for urgent systemic reforms to prevent such tragedies in the future.
The resolution, moved under Rule-157, conveyed the House’s deepest sorrow over the catastrophic blaze and extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. It also prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
In a special tribute, the Parliament honoured firefighter Furqan Ali, who lost his life in the line of duty during rescue operations, and saluted the bravery and sacrifices of all firefighters involved in controlling the blaze.
The House noted with grave concern the reported shortcomings and lapses that, it said, turned an accident into a mass tragedy.
Emphasising the need for accountability and preventive measures, the resolution urged the Government of Sindh to ensure appropriate compensation for the families of the victims and to facilitate the immediate recovery of businesses affected by the fire.
It further called for the immediate launch of a city-wide emergency fire-risk audit of all commercial and residential buildings in Karachi and stressed the need to increase the number of fire stations and upgrade firefighting equipment to improve emergency response capacity.
The Parliament also appealed to the federal government to provide all necessary assistance and support to the Sindh government in dealing with the aftermath of the tragedy and in strengthening fire safety and disaster management systems.
Reaffirming solidarity with the people of Karachi and the bereaved families, the House resolved that the lives lost in the Gul Plaza fire would not be forgotten and demanded concrete and lasting measures to ensure that such a disaster is never repeated.
