President Approves Tamgha-e-Shujaat for Karachi Firefighter Who Died in Gul Plaza Blaze

President Asif Ali Zardari has approved the Tamgha-e-Shujaat (Medal of Bravery) for Shaheed Furqan Ali, the Karachi firefighter who died while attempting to rescue people trapped inside the Gul Plaza fire, according to officials. The posthumous honour recognises what authorities described as an act of exceptional courage and devotion to saving human lives.

The award followed efforts by Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab to secure national recognition for Furqan's service. Furqan, 36, was stationed at the Nazimabad Fire Station and had been part of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Fire Department since 2018. He joined the department on the deceased quota after his father, also a firefighter, died while in service. He had married roughly a year and a half ago and leaves behind a young child.

Furqan was among the team battling the blaze at Gul Plaza on Karachi's M.A. Jinnah Road, which broke out on the night of January 17, 2026, and burned for about 36 hours before being brought under control on the morning of January 19. During the operation, he fell into the wreckage and became trapped beneath the debris, where he lost his life.

The fire is regarded as one of the deadliest in Karachi's history. The final investigation report placed the death toll at 79, and the tragedy prompted Punjab to issue new fire safety rules for commercial buildings.

After Furqan's death, Mayor Wahab announced that the Nazimabad Fire Station would be renamed in his honour. He also announced Rs. 10 million in financial assistance for the family and assured them that all of Furqan's benefits and entitlements would continue to be paid.

The Tamgha-e-Shujaat now adds national recognition to his sacrifice, underscoring the risks faced by emergency responders and renewing attention on fire safety standards in the country's commercial centres.