As Karachi reels from the devastating Gul Plaza fire that has claimed the lives of at least 20 people as of Wednesday, civil society has once again come together to help those affected by the inferno.
The fire had erupted at the iconic mall, located on MA Jinnah Road, on Saturday night, but it was said to be doused after more than 24 hours on Sunday. Firefighting efforts had to resume on Monday as flames reignited from the smouldering debris.
The plaza, parts of which collapsed due to the blaze, was a ground-plus-three-storey building with 1,200 shops spread over 8,000 square yards.
BVS, Mama Parsi schools offer 100pc fee concession
The Bai Virbaijee Soparivala (BVS) Parsi High School offered 100 per cent concession in school fees to students whose parents or guardians suffered financial losses in the Gul Plaza blaze.
“This measure has been introduced to provide temporary relief to families facing hardship as a result of this unforeseen incident,” read a statement from BVS dated January 20.
“The school stands in solidarity with the affected families during this difficult time.“
Speaking to Dawn today, BVS Principal Mehernaz Bharucha emphasised the importance of standing in solidarity at a time of crisis.
“We always tell our students and parents that BVS is like family, and the best a school can do at a time like this is to help in any capacity,” she said.
Eligible students and families will be granted the concession for one year, but there is a possibility of extension if the family is in need and applies beyond that, Bharucha explained.
Mama Parsi, the sister school of BVS, also offered 100pc concession to affected families.
Both schools are located within one kilometre of Gul Plaza in the city’s historic Saddar area.
Atrium Mall, also located in the Saddar area, offered exhibition stalls to vendors affected by the Gul Plaza fire to resume their business operations.
“We are offering free exhibition stalls to help the retailers of Gul Plaza resume their business operations after the recent fire. Together, we rebuild and support each other,” the mall’s administration wrote on Instagram.
The Cedar Charity Carnival and Bazaar said it would offer space to businesses affected by the fire at Gul Plaza, Cedar College business department head Dilnaz Avari told Dawn today.
“Additionally, a part of the carnival’s proceeds would go directly to help rehabilitate those who have suffered a devastating loss,” she said.
Online platforms and communities stepped up in the digital world to offer support and circulate resources for those affected.
“Please feel free to advertise your business as a full separate post with pictures and [an] Instagram or website link on Soul Sisters Pakistan,” founder Kanwal Ahmed said on the 320,000-strong women-only online group on Facebook.
Lifestyle brand Mashion was one of several platforms which shared a list of Gul Plaza businesses to support as they shifted online after the fire.
“Gul Plaza has been a part of Karachi for decades, and this fire has impacted so many small businesses and families,” the platform wrote in a post on Instagram, which gained significant traction.
“If you’re wondering how to help, the easiest way is to support them online.”
Content creator Osamah Nasir, through his platform ‘Shukar hai”, also shared a list of businesses affected by the fire and encouraged people to shop from them, share their pages and help them set up a digital platform.
Dolmen Mall announced on Wednesday that it was offering free space to Gul Plaza retailers “as they take steps toward rebuilding their businesses.”
On the flipside, one Gul Plaza business, Home Solutions, said that while their entire business has been affected, “the love, support and humanity [gained] is beyond words.”
“From across Pakistan, influencers offered free shoutouts and PR, and customers reached out with condolences, prayers, and support. Many even offered financial help — with deep respect and gratitude, we chose not to accept it,” the business wrote in a post on social media.
“Your prayers, empathy, and moral support are more than enough for us. This unity reminded us that humanity is alive and strong.“
Lals, a chocolate and gifting brand, also shared a list of affected vendors and urged people to support them.
“Our hearts remain with the community at Gul Plaza. We are doing what we can to help, and we invite you to do the same by supporting these businesses,” the brand wrote on Instagram.
In the immediate aftermath of the blaze on Monday, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced Rs10 million in compensation for each deceased person’s family. He also promised assistance for the shopkeepers, saying a special committee had been constituted to help those affected.
Header image: An aerial view shows the charred remains of a shopping mall after a massive fire in Karachi on January 21, 2026. — AFP
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