Karachi commissioner finalises Gul Plaza fire probe, confirms 79 deaths in tragedy 

Karachi (Web Desk): The official investigation report into the deadly Gul Plaza fire in Karachi has now been finalized, authorities said on Wednesday, confirming that the tragedy claimed 79 lives.

The inquiry was led by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hasan Naqvi and Additional Inspector General (AIG) Javed Alam Odho.

The report is set to be submitted to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and provides a comprehensive account of how the blaze began, how rescue and firefighting efforts unfolded, and what survivors, witnesses, and emergency responders described from that night.

Investigators concluded that the fire started at about 10:15pm in a flower shop on the ground floor, where children were reportedly present.

The flames spread with alarming speed through the building’s air-conditioning duct network. A large number of victims were found on the mezzanine floor, where smoke and intense heat quickly overwhelmed those trapped.

Emergency records indicate that the first alert was received by the Fire Brigade at 10:26pm. The first fire tender reached the scene at 10:37pm. Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso arrived earlier, at 10:30pm, while Rescue 1122 teams joined the operation at 10:53pm.

Alongside this report, a separate forensic examination is in progress through a joint effort by the Sindh Police forensic division and Punjab’s Urban Search and Rescue Force (USAR). 
As per the reports, experts are applying ARSEN technology to gather samples from parts of the structure that were not completely destroyed.

Officials said the purpose of this technical analysis is to determine the exact point where the fire originated, identify the source of ignition, and understand the factors that allowed it to spread so rapidly through the large commercial building.

As part of the ongoing process, a technical team from Lahore visited Gul Plaza to carry out on-site assessments. The group, accompanied by police and district administration officials, inspected multiple areas within the plaza.

Urban search officials stated that sections where search operations had been completed were marked accordingly.

The letter “H” was painted at several spots to highlight dangerous zones and warn that portions of the building remain structurally unstable and at risk of collapse.
v