Actor Durefishan Saleem has voiced deep concern over the recurring neglect in Karachi, calling for accountability in the wake of the tragic Gul Plaza fire, which has claimed 61 lives so far.

While many may expect her role to remain limited to appearances and performances, Saleem emphasises that public visibility comes with responsibility.

“Influence is meaningless if it isn’t used to speak out when something is profoundly wrong,” she wrote, highlighting the repeated failures that have endangered the lives of the city’s residents.

She stressed that rehearsed condolences and delayed responses do little to address public grief. “When lives are lost repeatedly due to preventable failures, silence becomes complicity.

Accountability must be demanded,” Saleem added, tagging the mayor of Karachi, Murtaza Wahab.

The actor urged urgent action and real solutions, stating that Karachi deserves more than statements it deserves protection, active leadership, and immediate steps to prevent future tragedies.

Several other celebrities, including Yasir Hussain, Sajal Ali, Aiman Khan, Sarwat Gilani, and Zhalay Sarhadi, have also expressed grief and called for support for the victims and the businesses affected by the inferno, using their platforms to advocate for change and tangible aid.