The Sindh government has notified the constitution of an inquiry commission to investigate the deadly fire at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road, Karachi. The blaze, which broke out on January 17, lasted over 32 hours and exposed gaps in the city’s emergency response system.
Justice Agha Faisal has been appointed as the head of the inquiry commission. The commission will probe the construction approval of Gul Plaza, the legal status of its lease, and potential violations in the building plan.
Officials, including the Karachi Commissioner, Secretary of Law, and Secretary of Interior, met in Justice Faisal’s chamber to discuss TORs for the commission. The meeting aimed to define the scope of the investigation and outline the responsibilities of each member.
Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar stated that the inquiry will thoroughly examine fire safety arrangements, emergency exits, and any hindrances faced during the rescue operation. He emphasized that determining the cause of the fire and evaluating the speed of response are crucial objectives.
Sources indicate that another session has been scheduled to further discuss TORs and finalize the commission’s methodology. Officials will focus on gathering evidence, inspecting building plans, and interviewing witnesses who were present during the incident.
The inquiry commission is expected to scrutinize discrepancies in firefighting arrangements, assess the adequacy of fire safety audits, and review prior approvals granted for Gul Plaza. Justice Agha Faisal will guide the team to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
Government sources confirmed that officials will also discuss TORs related to coordination among emergency services and possible lapses in regulatory enforcement. The commission aims to submit actionable recommendations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The Karachi community and civil society groups are closely monitoring the inquiry, hoping it will lead to accountability and improvements in fire safety regulations across the city.
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