Türkiye Extends Condolences to Pakistan After Deadly Karachi Mall Fire
Türkiye has expressed deep sorrow over a devastating fire at a shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan, that has claimed at least 26 lives, with dozens of others still missing.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry conveyed its condolences to the government and people of Pakistan, saying it was “deeply saddened” by the tragic incident. The ministry also wished mercy for those who lost their lives and extended sympathies to the families of the victims.
The fire broke out late Saturday at the multi-storey Gul Plaza shopping centre in Karachi’s central business district. The blaze raged for more than 24 hours, making rescue operations extremely challenging in the densely populated commercial area.
According to local media reports on Monday, recovery teams have continued to retrieve bodies from the rubble, pushing the death toll to at least 26, while dozens of people remain unaccounted for.
In its message, Türkiye подчеркed solidarity with Pakistan during the tragedy, reflecting the close diplomatic and humanitarian ties between both countries. Ankara has frequently voiced support for Islamabad during times of crisis, underscoring the strength of their bilateral relations.
As search and rescue efforts continue, the incident has also renewed concerns over building safety standards and emergency response mechanisms in major urban centres across the region.