The Gul Plaza tragedy has deeply shaken the nation, prompting an outpouring of grief and reflection from Pakistan’s showbiz industry. As details of the deadly incident emerged, celebrities used their platforms not only to mourn the victims but also to question the negligence and systemic failures that continue to put lives at risk in major cities like Karachi.
A National Wound That Goes Beyond Headlines
The Gul Plaza tragedy was not just another breaking news story. It was a painful reminder of how unsafe infrastructure, weak enforcement of safety regulations, and long-standing neglect can result in irreversible loss. For many artists and public figures, this incident struck a personal chord, as Gul Plaza was a familiar and meaningful place tied to memories, work, and everyday life in Karachi.
Hania Aamir’s Call for Accountability
Among the most powerful reactions came from actress Hania Aamir. In an emotional message, she described the Gul Plaza tragedy as devastating and stressed that it should never have happened. She pointed out that this was not merely an accident but a consequence of carelessness, disregard for safety, and collective silence.
Hania emphasized that the victims deserve more than sympathy. According to her, accountability is essential if such tragedies are to be prevented in the future. Her words resonated widely, reflecting public frustration and the growing demand for concrete action rather than temporary outrage.
Sajal Ali and Industry Voices Unite in Prayer
Actress Sajal Ali also expressed heartbreak over the Gul Plaza tragedy, offering prayers for the families who lost their loved ones. She acknowledged that no words can truly ease such pain, a sentiment shared by many across the country.
Other well-known figures, including actress and singer Samar Jafri, Zhale Sarhadi, and comedian Ali Gul Pir, also expressed sorrow. They prayed for the deceased and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured, reinforcing a sense of unity and compassion during a time of collective grief.
Remembering Gul Plaza and Karachi’s Neglect
Rapper Eva B and actress Minal Khan shared emotional reactions to the Gul Plaza tragedy, recalling personal memories associated with the building. Their responses highlighted how deeply the incident affected not just the victims’ families, but the wider Karachi community.
Minal Khan, however, went further by openly criticizing the broader situation in the city. She described Karachi as the economic heart of Pakistan that is being treated like a “foreign orphan,” neglected by both provincial and federal authorities. Her remarks echoed a long-standing public sentiment that Karachi’s infrastructure and safety needs are consistently ignored despite its importance to the country.
Strong Criticism of Safety Failures
Actress Yashma Gul and filmmaker Adnan Malik focused their response to the Gul Plaza tragedy on the lack of safety measures and oversight. They questioned how such a building could continue operating without proper fire safety systems or regular inspections.
Adnan Malik revealed that he had visited Gul Plaza just a month before the incident and found its design suffocating and dangerous. His comments suggested that the warning signs were visible long before the fire, raising serious questions about regulatory responsibility and enforcement.
A Stark Social Comparison
Renowned host Anoushe Ashraf offered one of the most striking perspectives on the Gul Plaza tragedy. She drew a comparison between the suffering in Karachi and lavish wedding celebrations taking place near the centers of power in Lahore.
Her statement highlighted what many see as a painful contrast: on one side, extravagant celebrations for the elite, and on the other, ordinary citizens facing death, loss, and helplessness. According to her, this contrast reflects a deeper indifference within the system toward the struggles of common people.
Beyond Condolences: A Demand for Change
What makes the response to the Gul Plaza tragedy significant is that it goes beyond expressions of grief. Celebrities are increasingly using their influence to demand accountability, stricter safety laws, and real reforms. Their voices have amplified public anger and ensured that the issue remains part of the national conversation.
This tragedy has once again exposed the cost of neglect and complacency. Unsafe buildings and ignored regulations are not abstract problems; they translate directly into lost lives and shattered families.
The Gul Plaza tragedy has united Pakistan’s showbiz community in mourning and reflection. From heartfelt prayers to sharp criticism of systemic failures, celebrities have echoed the public’s pain while calling for responsibility and reform.
As investigations continue, the hope remains that this collective outrage will lead to meaningful action. Remembering the victims must also mean ensuring that such a tragedy is not repeated, so that safety, accountability, and human lives are finally given the priority they deserve.
