Journalist Zafar Abbas has raised concerns over alleged scams emerging after the Gul Plaza tragedy. He claims that some individuals are spreading false stories to receive financial aid.
Speaking as an eyewitness, Zafar Abbas said he has seen people stealing goods from the fire-hit Gul Plaza market. He also noted that families are visiting the site and recording videos, many of which have gone viral on social media.
Abbas highlighted one video showing a woman claiming that two of her sisters, living in Australia and Spain, had died in the fire. The video reportedly circulated on more than 200,000 pages. After seeing the footage, Abbas contacted the DIG South to report the matter.
He further alleged that the same woman had previously approached him during a 2012 incident to attempt blackmail. In another case, Abbas pointed out a man claiming that his mother and sister died in the tragedy. Abbas stated this person had been involved in over 50 similar fraudulent claims in the past.
According to Zafar Abbas, the situation is worsening as unrelated individuals exploit the tragedy by fabricating stories. He warned that these scams are not only dishonest but also undermine genuine victims seeking assistance.
Abbas urged authorities and the public to remain vigilant. He stressed the importance of verifying claims before providing financial or social support to avoid encouraging further fraud.
The Gul Plaza tragedy, which resulted in numerous casualties and significant damage, has already shocked the community. Abbas’ revelations underscore the need for careful monitoring and responsible reporting during such sensitive incidents.
Experts suggest that social media plays a critical role in amplifying false claims. Abbas’ intervention demonstrates how journalists can help protect victims from exploitation while holding potential scammers accountable.
In other news read more about Inside Gul Plaza: How One Locked Shop Became the Site of 30 Deaths
Authorities are reportedly reviewing reports shared by Zafar Abbas and have promised to investigate suspicious claims thoroughly to ensure aid reaches only those truly affected by the Gul Plaza disaster.
