The Sindh government has decided to hold a judicial inquiry into the deadly fire at Gul Plaza. Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the move aims to uncover the truth and ensure transparency.
Speaking at a press conference, Memon said a letter will be sent to the Sindh High Court (SHC) chief justice. The request will ask for the appointment of a serving judge to review the entire case and give clear findings.
A cabinet sub-committee, led by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, reviewed reports from the commissioner and additional inspector general. The meeting lasted several hours, during which key decisions were taken.
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Memon said fire safety audits of Gul Plaza and other buildings were carried out by the Civil Defence department since 2023. However, no effective legal or preventive action was enforced to stop such incidents.
He added that the Civil Defence director and the South district additional controller failed to report violations or act against them. Gul Plaza management had received two notices warning about poor safety arrangements, but no action followed.
As a result, both officials were suspended immediately. Departmental action has also been started, and more suspensions may follow if further negligence is proven.
The sub-committee also found delays in supplying water to fire tenders. This affected the work of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) fire brigade and Rescue 1122.
Due to this lapse, the chief engineer (bulk) and the hydrants in charge of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) were suspended. Memon said action will be taken against any senior officer found responsible.
The minister revealed that KMC Municipal Commissioner Afzal Zaidi was removed from his post on the first day of the incident. He also said firefighting equipment and training were not enough to handle such a major fire.
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Despite these shortcomings, Memon praised the bravery of firefighters. He said they worked under extreme conditions, and Fireman Furqan Shaukat lost his life during the rescue operation.
The KMC municipal services senior director was also suspended for failing to ensure proper preparation of firefighting staff.
Sharing details of the incident, Memon said around 2,000 to 2,500 people were present in the building when the fire broke out. Many managed to escape, while government teams rescued others. He said 80 people were affected by the blaze.
