Karachi firefighter Furqan Ali, who lost his life while helping save others during the Gul Plaza fire, will be awarded the Tamgha-e-Shujaat. President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the national honour in recognition of his courage and dedication to duty.
National recognition for rescue work
Ali served with the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and was among the firefighters battling the blaze and trying to reach people trapped in the building. The award recognises his extraordinary bravery during the rescue operation, in which he put others' lives ahead of his own.
The president's approval follows efforts by Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab to secure national recognition for Ali's service and sacrifice.
Debris fell during the overnight operation
The fire broke out at Gul Plaza at about 10:15pm on January 17, 2026, and quickly spread to other parts of the building. The plaza housed numerous shops, with clothing, cosmetics, plastic and other flammable goods contributing to the intensity of the blaze.
Ali was fighting the fire and carrying out rescue work in shops at the rear of the building when debris fell on him at around 5am on January 18. He did not survive, losing his life in the line of duty.
