The much-anticipated opening of Dream Bazaar Mall in Karachi on 30 August 2024, quickly spiraled into chaos due to the looting and vandalism just hours after 30 minutes it began.
A Pakistani businessman living abroad came back to his country and opened a grand mall “Dream Bazar” in Karachi. The mall’s grand opening in the Gulistan-e-Johar area, scheduled for 3:00 PM, attracted an enormous crowd, drawn by extensive social media promotions and the promise of special discounts.
Unfortunately, the large number of attendees quickly overwhelmed the venue’s security and staff, leading to an uncontrollable situation. As the mall doors opened, eager shoppers surged forward, causing a stampede-like atmosphere that rapidly devolved into disorder.
Looting Caught on Camera
In the chaos that ensued, hundreds of people stormed into the mall’s stores, damaging property and stealing merchandise with little regard for the consequences. Disturbing videos that circulated on social media captured the looting in progress, showing individuals brazenly filming themselves as they grabbed whatever they could find. The images of shattered glass, overturned fixtures, and ransacked shelves painted a stark picture of the devastation.
A Huge Mall Dream Bazar was built by a Pak foreign businessesman in Karachi, Pakistan-
— Anshuman (@Anshuma97094879) September 2, 2024
On its inauguration yesterday, he offered a special discount for Pakistani locals, but Pak Awam wanted a 100% discount, so the whole mall was looted! pic.twitter.com/x90YZLhtue
A grand opening turned chaotic as Dream Bazaar Mall was looted on its inauguration day. Special discounts led to a massive crowd storming the mall, resulting in widespread vandalism. Security measures failed, raising concerns over investment safety in Karachi. #KarachiLooting… pic.twitter.com/b5rjTUb2pD
— World Chronicle (@World_Watchlog) September 2, 2024
Where Were the Police?
One of the most alarming aspects of the incident was the complete absence of law enforcement during the looting. Despite the clear signs of trouble and the massive crowds, not enough police officers were present to intervene. This glaring lack of security has drawn widespread criticism from the public, with many questioning how such a significant event could proceed without adequate police presence.
The mall’s owner, who had invested heavily in the project with the hope of providing a new shopping experience for the people of Karachi, expressed his deep disappointment and sorrow in a statement. “This was supposed to be a joyful occasion, a celebration of something new and exciting for the city. Instead, it has become a nightmare,” he said.
Public Outrage and Social Media Backlash
The incident has sparked a wave of outrage on social media, with users expressing their shock and disgust at the scenes of lawlessness. “This is what happens when there’s no respect for order,” one user wrote. Another commented, “How could this happen in broad daylight, with no police around? It’s a disgrace.” The lack of security has become a focal point of the debate, with many calling for stricter measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
