KARACHI:
Gul Plaza has reopened its doors in the metropolis, giving hope to affected traders who are setting up their stalls in a temporary market which has attracted a large number of Karachiites.
The market was established at a banquet hall at the junction of Qayumabad and Defense, organized by Karachi-based youth NGO Hamdard Haath. Nearly 140 merchants from Gul Plaza are participating, offering a variety of items including wall clocks, tableware, home decor, linens, children’s clothing and kitchen electronics.
Families from all over the city gathered at the market to shop. A woman from Gulistan-e-Jauhar told The Express PK Press Club, “I have come from many miles just to support the victims of Gul Plaza this Eid. I shop here to help them in any way I can.
Shopkeepers at Gul Plaza said they could not recover the lost Ramazan season or their physical stores and are now relying on online sales, which have not elicited the same response as the market.
They expressed their determination to continue, saying Hamdard Haath had provided the space for free. Some of their goods came from their personal stock, while others were borrowed on credit to sell in the market.
The three-day market for victims of Gul Plaza is expected to continue until Sunday evening, providing residents with the opportunity to support affected traders with their Eid shopping.
“The future of Karachi depends on democratic restructuring and collective political will,” he said.
