Judicial commission to investigate Karachi’s Gul Plaza tragedy

Karachi (Web Desk): The Sindh government has moved to have the Gul Plaza inferno investigated by a judicial commission, announcing that it will ask the Sindh High Court (SHC) to nominate a serving judge to lead the probe.
The deadly fire tore through the multi-storey Gul Plaza building on MA Jinnah Road late on the night of January 17, 2026, killing at least 79 people. The flames reportedly began on the ground floor and spread swiftly, injuring many others, while several victims have yet to be identified.

The tragedy has also deepened political friction in Karachi, with some quarters demanding federal or military oversight and a heated exchange of allegations between MQM-P and the ruling PPP in Sindh.

Speaking at a press conference alongside Additional IG Karachi Azad Khan and Commissioner Hassan Naqvi, Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said a special cabinet session was held after the disaster, where a sub-committee was formed. The chief minister had also set up a separate fact-finding body, and its report has now been received. Based on its findings, key decisions have been taken.

Memon said the government is writing to the chief justice of the Sindh High Court to request a judicial inquiry so that all aspects of the incident can be examined transparently and legal responsibility determined. He said the government had acknowledged its own weaknesses where they were found and did not consider itself beyond accountability.

Around 2,000 to 2,500 people were believed to be inside the building when the fire erupted. While many escaped, roughly 80 people lost their lives.

A review of the cabinet sub-committee’s findings showed that Civil Defence had carried out several fire safety inspections since 2023 but failed to ensure corrective action.

The district administration also did not inform higher authorities about these lapses. Gul Plaza management had received two notices, and safety audits had pointed out inadequate fire arrangements, yet enforcement did not follow. As a result, the director of Civil Defence and the additional controller of Civil Defence for District South Karachi have been suspended, with further action promised if more negligence surfaces.

The inquiry also blamed the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation for delays in providing water to fire tenders, which hampered efforts by the KMC Fire Brigade and Rescue 1122. The chief engineer (Bulk) and the hydrant in-charge have been suspended and face departmental proceedings, with the possibility of action against senior officials if responsibility is established.

It was further noted that the KMC, Rescue 1122 and fire services lacked sufficient training, equipment and capacity to handle a disaster of this scale, although their bravery was acknowledged. A firefighter, Furqan Shaukat, died while performing his duty. The senior director of municipal services has also been suspended for failing to properly prepare fire personnel, and authorities have been ordered to assess and upgrade firefighting resources across departments.

On the cause of the blaze, officials said police investigations indicated it was accidental and spread through air-conditioning ducts. According to Additional IG Azad Khan, the owner of a paper flower shop had stepped out when a child playing with a matchstick accidentally ignited the fire. Memon urged the public to avoid speculation, saying there was no evidence of deliberate arson and that all evidence would be presented in court.

The building was also found to be without a proper firefighting system and in violation of approved building regulations. If any union or authority is found responsible, action will follow. Serious irregularities were also detected in the building’s lease, and the Anti-Corruption Department has been directed to proceed under the law.

Memon criticised political parties for trying to exploit the tragedy and said compensation of Rs10 million was being delivered to the families of those who died. He stressed that the government had not bowed to political pressure and that the judicial commission would determine responsibility. The decision to form the commission, he added, was made by the Sindh government itself, while political parties remain free to express their views.