Written by: Syed Qalbe Muhammad
The first terrible incident of the New Year happened in Karachi on 17th January at Gul Plaza Shopping Mall, which was destroyed by horrible fire flames. The city of lights’ busiest shopping mall fell down due to the heavy fire, and millions of people watched in front of their eyes but did nothing. This is really a matter of thought that a city of 50 million people is unable to control the fire – it means we don’t have brains or we don’t want to follow brainy people.
No major steps were taken before and after the fire. Despite all political criticism, I just want to ask a few simplest questions: After the fire incident was reported, shouldn’t Police, Rangers, and all security units have been called to leave the place to avoid any distractions during the rescue work? Shouldn’t helicopters have been called and a duck system launched for free evacuation of persons with immediate effect? Then, high expansion foam should’ve been used to control the fire, and sea water should’ve been used for continuous boundary cooling. Don’t forget, sea water has more strong density compared to fresh water.
These steps might be more effective and result in less loss of human life and financial damage. I heard many statements, no technical analysis given by anyone to control the fire – only political debate against Union, Sindh & federal government and Mayor Karachi.
I deeply respect fire fighters and fire department. Even I’m personally ready to stand with them for fighting the fire. Kindly let us know, does the fire chief have any plan to control the fire? Does Sindh Building Control Authority bring any maps of the building to guide fire fighters and rescue workers?
I don’t know if there’s any coordination between Police, Rangers, KMC, Water board, K-Electric, SSGC or other relevant departments established in case of fire. The answer is NO, because we are sinking in corruption of rest, we don’t want to work, don’t want to invest in our safety of life and others. Corruption is not only bribe, it’s in our culture – no one should take responsibility for this terrible incident.
Please remember previous incidents of Fire in Karachi: PNSC Building, Baldia Factory, Ayesha Manzil flats, RJ Shopping Mall, Regent Plaza Hotel (currently SIUT), Pizza Hut Clifton, Bolten Market, KFC Gulshan,, Old Radio Pakistan building and etc. What is our preparation and what we learn from incidents?
The country’s economy is an engine being in Fire of Corruption and no one tries to stop it. Without necessary steps and training, it will never stop. The purpose of this article is to learn from the incidents and save our beloved country and people, also future generations, from the terrible flames of Fire.
May Almighty Allah bless all those who lost their lives in these terrible incidents.
About Author :
Syed Qalbe Muhammad is a Senior Journalist & Broadcaster and Marine Fire Fighter who served as a leading fire fighter in Oil, Chemical & Gas Tankers. He also conducted basic fire fighting training sessions and many times he offered his services along with Mr. Saeed Jadoon to all stakeholders of the city to counter these terrible fires in the city of Quaid e Azam.
