A delegation from Japan representing Rotary International visited the tragic site of the Gul Plaza fire in Karachi to honor the lives lost in one of the city’s deadliest disasters in recent years. The visiting members offered prayers for the departed souls and expressed deep sympathy with the bereaved families.
The devastating fire broke out on January 17, 2026, at the Gul Plaza shopping center on Muhammad Ali Jinnah Road, claiming 79 lives. The blaze took more than 24 hours to fully extinguish, leaving families waiting anxiously for news of their loved ones.
The Japanese delegation’s visit demonstrated international solidarity during Karachi’s time of profound grief. Their presence at the site reflected shared humanitarian values that transcend borders and nationalities. Rotary International, a global service organization with over 1.4 million members worldwide, has long been active in Pakistan through various humanitarian projects.
According to investigations, the fire started at a shop selling artificial flowers and spread rapidly due to combustible materials, wooden structures, and poor safety measures. The building lacked fire alarm systems, sprinklers, hydrants, and functional emergency exits, turning what could have been a manageable incident into a catastrophe.
The visit by the Japanese delegation served as a solemn reminder that human compassion knows no boundaries. By standing alongside victims’ families and offering prayers, they emphasized the importance of global humanitarian support during moments of tragedy.
Their gesture brings comfort to a community still processing immense loss while raising awareness about the need for improved fire safety standards in commercial buildings across Pakistan.
