Sindh govt announces judicial probe into Gul Plaza tragedy

KARACHI: The Sindh government announced on Thursday that a judicial commission will be established to investigate the Gul Plaza fire, which claimed 80 lives in Karachi.

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon said the inquiry would be independent, and the government would not yield to political pressure.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Karachi Police Chief Afzal Khan and Commissioner Hassan Naqvi, Memon said the fire did not result from deliberate action.

“No one set the fire. Strong evidence shows it started from an 11-year-old child, and we will submit all evidence to the court,” he said.

Cabinet Actions and Administrative Measures

Memon said that the Sindh cabinet held a special meeting following the tragedy and formed a sub-committee. The Sindh chief minister had earlier set up a fact-finding committee, whose report informed key decisions taken.

According to the minister, approximately 2,500 people were present in the plaza when the fire broke out. He said that many escaped, but 80 lives were lost.

Following the committee report, the Civil Defence Department conducted several fire audits, but no further actions were reported by district administration.

As a result, the Director and Director General of Civil Defence were suspended, with further action pending against anyone else found responsible, he said.

Memon also noted delays in water supply during the fire, prompting the removal of the Chief Engineer of Blocks and Chief Hydrants.

Senior directors of the Karachi Municipal Corporation will also face departmental action, he added.

He said all rescue agencies will be coordinated under a single command as per Chief Minister’s directives.

Safety and Regulatory Lapses

The minister acknowledged several structural and regulatory lapses: Gul Plaza lacked a fire-fighting system and was found to be in violation of approved building plans.

“If the union or lessee is found negligent, they will face action. Serious irregularities were observed during the lease process, and the Anti-Corruption Department has been instructed to take legal action,” Memon said.

Judicial Commission to Lead Investigation

Memon confirmed that the sub-committee of the cabinet recommended a judicial inquiry, to be headed by a sitting Sindh High Court judge. A formal request will be sent to the Chief Justice of Sindh High Court.

He emphasized transparency, noting that some political parties had attempted to politicize the tragedy.

“We are issuing one crore rupees checks to victims’ families. We are acknowledging our shortcomings and will not bow to political pressure. The judicial commission will determine responsibility, and the court will decide who is at fault,” Memon said.

Cause of the Fire

Responding to questions, Memon said preliminary findings indicated the fire spread from AC ducts after an accidental ignition by an 11-year-old child.

Additional IG Karachi Afzal Khan said the blaze started unintentionally while the shop owner was away, and the child had a matchstick in hand.

The minister reiterated that the judicial commission was established by the Sindh government independently and not at the request of any political party, including MQM, which had sought political leverage over the incident.