The Judicial Commission investigating the Gul Plaza shopping mall fire has officially completed probe and will submit its report to the Sindh government today.
Headed by Justice Agha Faisal, the commission reviewed the deadly blaze that erupted on January 17. The fire lasted over 32 hours and claimed the lives of 73 people. Only six bodies were found intact, while others were completely charred.
The Sindh government had formed the commission on February 10 to investigate the incident. The commission visited the site on February 14 and began recording statements from affected individuals and officials.
Key testimonies were collected from medico-legal officers, Pakistan Infrastructure and Development Board officials, and the Deputy Commissioner South. Journalists, citizens, and survivors also provided statements. Among them were newsman Babar Saleem, citizen Danish, and survivors Junaid and Ali Haider.
The commission further heard from senior officials, including SSP City, SSP Traffic, K-Electric, Sui Gas, municipal commissioners, and the Civil Defence team. Drivers from Edhi and Chheepa ambulance services involved in relief efforts also testified.
Renowned architect Arif Hassan and senior members of the Board of Revenue appeared before the commission to discuss building construction and regulatory approvals. The inquiry examined the status of the Gul Plaza land and safety compliance.
Justice Agha Faisal emphasized that the investigation completes probe into all aspects of the incident, from emergency response delays to regulatory shortcomings. The findings highlight critical gaps in Karachi’s fire safety systems and enforcement of building codes.
The commission’s final report is expected to guide the government in improving safety measures and emergency responses to prevent such tragedies in the future.
With the probe completed, authorities hope to implement stricter safety standards and hold responsible parties accountable for lapses. Public interest remains high as citizens await the commission’s recommendations.
In other news read more about: Judicial Probe Reviews Gul Plaza Fire, Building Records
