The judicial commission investigating the deadly Gul Plaza fire recorded statements from two shopkeepers who survived the January 17 blaze. The fire erupted at the shopping center on M.A. Jinnah Road, engulfing the building and trapping dozens inside. The fire burned for over 32 hours before being controlled.
Muhammad Junaid, a shopkeeper on the mezzanine floor, told the commission, “We saw smoke at 10:15 pm while closing our shop. I left with two others at 11:15 through the bathroom side. Thick smoke blocked all other exits.”
Junaid added that he fell unconscious due to smoke inhalation and was later taken to the hospital by an Edhi ambulance. He said no announcements were made about the fire and that he saw no efforts from management or rescue agencies to help trapped people.
Another survivor, Ali Haider, described his experience on the ground floor. “I left the shop immediately when I saw smoke. Ten minutes later, the fire reached our shop. Two suitcases exploded, and I fell unconscious,” he said. Haider also noted that he saw no fire tenders or rescue personnel while evacuating.
Both shopkeepers’ statements highlight the chaos during the fire and gaps in emergency response. The commission’s session revealed that most doors were closed except one or two, and no clear fire announcements were made, contributing to the danger.
Earlier, Gul Plaza Association president Tanveer Pasta appeared before the commission to answer questions about the plaza’s operations. He stated that the plaza typically closes between 10:30 pm and 10:45 pm, with gates taking 20 minutes to fully close. On Saturdays, closures start later, between 10:45 pm and 11:30 pm.
Regarding security, Pasta confirmed that the building had around 280 CCTV cameras and that some DVRs were recovered from the debris. He also provided details about corridor widths and the total number of shops, confirming 1,153 leased units.
The inquiry continues as the commission examines safety measures and management accountability. The survivors testify to critical lapses, emphasizing the urgent need for stricter fire safety protocols to prevent future tragedies.
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