As many as 90 shops were gutted resulting in a cumulative loss of Rs 1.5 billion due to the fire erupted at Iqbal Centre on MA Jinnah Road late on Wednesday. The multi-storey building consists of 250 shops and equivalent number of underground warehouses of foam products, rubber, lotion, plastic, clothing and leather goods etc.
The blaze erupting at 2200 hours on Wednesday gripped the building instantly, which was brought under control after hours long efforts. The fire engines of Navy and KPT had also been called to complete the quelling operation. According to chief fire officer, the vehicles from all fire stations of the city took part in the operation.
The conflagration started in foam and chemical shops in the building, which affected Block C,D,E and F of the premises. Chairman, Alliance of Market Associations Karachi, Atiq Mir said that over 90 shops had been completely destroyed due to which the traders suffered a cumulative loss of around Rs 1.5 billion.
He regretted that the fire department was not equipped with the facilities to fight fire of petro-chemical products. They sprayed water instead of extinguishing foam, which boosted the blaze and fire gripped the entire building.
He demanded of the government to equip the fire department with moderate facilities so that masses could be protected against such incidents. He also demanded of the government to declare Iqbal Centre tax exempted for the next five years and financial assistance be given to the bereaved traders. Meanwhile, City Nazim Mustafa Kamal has ordered to investigate the reasons of the fire.