The much-awaited grand opening of Pakistan’s Dream Bazaar mall in Karachi turned chaotic when a group of people forcibly entered the venue, causing large-scale vandalism and property damage. The mall, built by an expatriate Pakistani businessman, was heavily promoted on social media and special discounts were offered to attract customers on the day of its inauguration. ARY News According to reports, however, shortly after opening its doors at 3:00 pm, a massive crowd thronged the mall, eager to enter the stores.
Videos circulating on social media showed hundreds of people barging into a newly opened mall in Karachi’s Gulistan-e-Jauhar area, where they were vandalising property and looting shops. Despite frantic efforts by staff to control the crowd and maintain order, people barged in, damaged shops and stole goods. People grabbed whatever they could lay their hands on, stuffed it into bags or carried it away in their arms.
Eyewitnesses said that despite the commotion, the police were missing from the scene.
Watch the video here:
In Karachi, Pakistan, a foreign Pakistani businessman built a huge mall Dream Bazaar – yesterday on the occasion of its inauguration he offered special discounts to local Pakistani people….. and the whole mall was looted pic.twitter.com/ah4d2ULh3l
— Megh Updates ?™ (@MeghUpdates) September 1, 2024
Several videos also captured the aftermath of the violence, showing a scene of utter devastation. The building was in ruins, clothes were strewn on the floor and glass was strewn across the premises. The footage also showed people looting stores and filming themselves, seemingly proud of their actions.
The video sparked a heated debate, with users expressing shock and disgust at the scenes of chaos and destruction. Many internet users expressed their dismay at the lack of civic morality displayed by the mob, and many questioned how people could resort to such destructive behaviour.
One user wrote, “What else can you expect from a country where anarchy is the norm? A place where even a generous gesture turns into anarchy. This incident tells a lot about the state of Pakistan.”
Another commented, “Tell me what is missing here? I think basic cultural education is lacking!! When someone is trying to do good for you, be grateful! Don’t rob them instead.” A third said, “It’s unfortunate to see such an exciting event turn into a chaotic situation. The intention behind giving special discounts to locals was commendable, but it’s clear that better planning and security measures were needed to prevent the mall from being looted.”