The tragic fire that broke out at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road, Karachi, late on Saturday night has deeply affected people across the country. Among the many voices expressing grief and outrage is renowned Pakistani actress Mahira Khan, whose emotional reaction to the incident resonated strongly with the public. In response to the horrifying videos circulating on social media, Mahira said that watching the footage made her feel “angry and helpless,” reflecting the pain and frustration felt by countless Pakistanis.
The fire, which rapidly engulfed the multi-storey commercial building, resulted in a significant loss of life and caused massive damage to property. As rescue operations continued for hours, disturbing visuals of flames, smoke, and desperate rescue efforts spread online. These scenes prompted Mahira Khan to speak out, sharing her sorrow and anger over what she described as a tragedy that could have been prevented.
In her statement, Mahira questioned whether the incident was merely an accident or a result of long-standing negligence and indifference toward public safety. She recalled visiting Gul Plaza in the past and pointed out how difficult it was to navigate the building even under normal circumstances. According to her, the lack of proper exits and safety measures made the tragedy even more heartbreaking and unacceptable.
Mahira Khan also expressed deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and prayed for the recovery of the injured. She emphasized that no words could truly comfort the victims’ families but stressed the importance of acknowledging their pain. Her message struck an emotional chord with fans and social media users, many of whom echoed her anger and sorrow while demanding accountability from the authorities.
The actress’s reaction was part of a broader response from the entertainment industry and civil society. Several celebrities and public figures condemned the incident, calling for strict enforcement of fire safety laws and better emergency preparedness in commercial buildings. Many highlighted that such disasters continue to occur due to ignored safety regulations and poor planning.
The fire, which began late Saturday night, spread quickly due to the presence of flammable materials inside the plaza. Firefighters faced major challenges in controlling the blaze, including narrow entry points and the building’s weakened structure. Rescue operations continued into the following day as teams worked to recover victims and ensure the area was safe.
Mahira Khan’s heartfelt words have once again brought attention to the human cost of such tragedies. Her expression of anger and helplessness reflects the collective grief of a nation mourning lives lost to negligence. As investigations into the incident continue, her statement serves as a powerful reminder that beyond headlines and statistics are real people whose lives have been forever changed.
The Gul Plaza tragedy stands as a painful lesson and a call for urgent reforms, so that such devastating incidents do not repeat themselves in the future.
