Arshi Mall blaze shatters dreams

A resident who recently moved into his flat lost his lifetime savings

KARACHI:

It's been four days since a devastating fire that engulfed the commercial-residential building at Ayesha Manzil, a resident Kashif, who purchased his apartment after 15 years of hard work, now faces the harsh reality of having lost everything to the flames.

The blaze at Arshi Shopping Mall and Arshi Heights at Ayesha Manzil not only resulted in the tragic loss of five lives but also unveiled heart-wrenching stories.

Kashif, a 42-year-old resident and pharmaceutical company employee, had dedicated years to acquire his own apartment. Despite recently experiencing the overwhelming joy of moving into his flat, all his dreams turned to ashes last Wednesday.

Residing in flat number 114 on the first floor, Syed Kashif had furnished his new home with a split airconditioner, furniture, microwave oven, refrigerator, and more including a new laptop computer and many expensive items, he had purchased for his sister's marriage, just months before the fire struck. The merciless flames spared nothing. Although he survived, Kashif's right eye was affected as he narrowly escaped from beneath a burning door.

Speaking to The Express Tribune, Kashif shared that everything in his house, was burnt to ashes.

Legal and academic papers, along with valuable data on the laptop, were lost. Kashif now wonders if the government will provide assistance or if he should sleep amid the dust of his shattered dreams.

He appeals to the government authorities, urging that residences without proper fire safety arrangements should not be allowed.

Read Three more remanded to police custody in RJ Mall fire case

Ahmar, a representative of the residential building union, refuted claims of a third-degree fire, asserting that the SBCA cleared the building of further hazards. While affected families prepare to return home, a comprehensive report is underway.

Electricity and gas will be restored to unaffected flats in about two days, excluding the power meters of the affected families.

The union officer laments the lack of government assistance, emphasising the need for immediate financial support. Sindh's caretaker chief minister has promised compensation for the damage. Out of 72 flats, three were completely destroyed, and several others were partially affected.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 10^th, 2023.