KARACHI (MNN); Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Thursday announced that a judicial inquiry will be conducted into the deadly Gul Plaza fire, stating that the Sindh government has approached the Sindh High Court to ensure transparency and accountability.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Memon said a letter is being written to the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court requesting the appointment of a serving judge to thoroughly review all aspects of the incident and determine responsibility. He said the decision was taken by a cabinet sub-committee headed by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, which included ministers Sharjeel Memon, Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani and Ziaul Hassan Lanjar.
The sub-committee reviewed a detailed report prepared by a two-member team, based on findings submitted by the Karachi commissioner and the additional inspector general of police. Memon said the meeting with the chief minister lasted several hours, during which key decisions were made.
According to the minister, Civil Defence authorities had conducted fire safety audits of Gul Plaza and other buildings since 2023 but failed to take effective preventive, corrective or legal action. He said the Civil Defence director and the additional controller of the South district were suspended for failing to act on repeated safety violations, despite issuing notices to the building management.
Memon added that departmental proceedings have been initiated and warned that any higher-ranking official found negligent would also face suspension. He further stated that delays in supplying water to fire tenders significantly hampered rescue efforts, prompting the suspension of the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation’s chief engineer (bulk) and hydrants in-charge.
The minister revealed that KMC Municipal Commissioner Afzal Zaidi was removed from his post on the first day of the incident. He acknowledged that the KMC Fire Brigade and Rescue 1122 lacked adequate equipment, training and resources to handle a blaze of this magnitude, although he praised firefighters for their bravery under difficult circumstances. He paid tribute to firefighter Furqan Shaukat, who lost his life during the operation.
Providing details of the incident on January 17, Memon said between 2,000 and 2,500 people were present inside the building when the fire broke out. While many managed to escape, at least 80 people were affected.
He announced that an urgent needs assessment would be carried out to strengthen firefighting and rescue institutions, focusing on manpower, equipment, training and infrastructure. He said the chief minister has decided to bring Rescue 1122, the KMC Fire Brigade and Civil Defence under one coordinated framework to improve response capacity.
Memon said the sub-committee found that Gul Plaza’s management failed to install adequate firefighting systems despite written warnings. He added that the building violated approved construction plans, restricting emergency exits and endangering public safety. The role of the management will be examined during the police investigation, and legal action will be taken if violations are proven.
He also disclosed serious discrepancies in leases and approvals issued by the Sindh Building Control Authority and KMC over several decades, directing the anti-corruption department to investigate and take legal action.
Responding to questions, Memon rejected claims of political pressure and criticised attempts to politicise the tragedy. He said compensation cheques had already been distributed and reiterated that the government has acknowledged its own shortcomings.
Additional Inspector General Azad Khan said police investigations concluded that the fire was accidental and originated in a flower shop, where children playing with matches ignited the blaze. He said no evidence of arson was found.
Memon said all findings and evidence would be presented before the judicial commission, stressing that accountability would be ensured through the court.
