Furqan Ali, 38-year-old firefighter, lost his life while rescuing trapped civilians amid the deadly Gul Plaza incident in Karachi, leaving behind family and grieving relatives.
Furqan had married just before a year, survived by his widow and a six-month-old son.
He was the youngest among nine siblings, said his family, who was the main support for his sisters after their father’s death.
According to relatives, Furqan was deployed at Gul Plaza when he made the ultimate sacrifice while attempting to save trapped civilians.
His sisters said he was like a father figure to them and their only pillar of support.
Family members said he had dreamed of seeing his son grow up and hoped to make him a lawyer. “He could not even see his son’s first birthday,” said one of relatives.
Recalling by his brother, said that he last met Furqan in the evening and spoke to him on the phone the following morning.
“That was the last contact. After that, there was no call,” he said, adding that he was raised and cared for “like a child of our own.”
The family has demanded of the government to provide a job to Furqan’s widow and take responsibility for their child’s education.
The Gul Plaza incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by rescue workers, who often put their lives on the line to save others in emergencies.
Rs100m aid for martyred firefighter’s family
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab later offered condolences to the bereaved family, visiting the residence of martyred firefighter. The mayor announced financial assistance of Rs100 million for the family and paid tribute to Furqan’s bravery, calling his sacrifice a shining example of courage, dedication and sense of duty.
He said the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) would provide employment to the martyr’s widow and bear all educational expenses of his son.
Mr Wahab also announced that the Nazimabad Fire Station would be renamed after Shaheed Furqan Ali in recognition of his services.
As per the mayor, all retirement-related benefits and salaries will continue to be paid regularly to the widow.
He reaffirmed that KMC stands by its firefighters and will support them and their families in every difficult hour.
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