KARACHI – In a profound gesture of international solidarity, a high-level delegation from Rotary International Japan visited the ruins of the Gul Plaza commercial complex today to pay their respects and offer condolences following the catastrophic fire that claimed dozens of lives earlier this month. The delegation arrived at the site on M.A. Jinnah Road to honor the victims of the January 17 blaze—Karachi’s deadliest commercial inferno in over a decade—which resulted in at least 73 fatalities and the total destruction of more than 1,100 shops.
During the somber visit, the Japanese delegates laid floral wreaths at the site and offered prayers for the departed souls, emphasizing the “shared humanity” that binds Japan and Pakistan during times of urban crisis. The visit was a gesture of deep compassion, expressing solidarity with the affected families and the local community while highlighting the importance of standing together in times of grief.
The delegation members expressed their deep sorrow over the tragedy and discussed potential avenues for international cooperation to support the affected families and displaced small-business owners. This visit underscores the long-standing humanitarian bond between the Rotary districts of Japan and Pakistan, reaffirming a commitment to recovery and peace in the wake of one of the city’s most devastating disasters.
