KARACHI: Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon on Thursday announced that the provincial government has decided to launch a judicial inquiry into the deadly Gul Plaza fire, which claimed 80 lives earlier this month.
Speaking at a press conference, Memon said the government would write to the chief justice of the Sindh High Court, requesting the appointment of a serving judge to head a judicial commission to investigate the tragedy.
The massive blaze erupted on January 17 at Gul Plaza, one of Karachi’s largest shopping complexes, rapidly engulfing the building that houses around 1,200 family-run shops dealing in garments, household goods and toys. Officials said between 2,000 and 2,500 people were inside the plaza when the fire broke out.
Memon criticised the Civil Defence Department for failing to act despite repeated safety warnings. He said the plaza management had been issued two formal notices following fire safety audits, highlighting the absence of adequate emergency arrangements, but no corrective measures were taken.
Due to negligence, the Civil Defence director and the additional controller for the South District have been suspended, he added.
The minister said a fact-finding committee led by the Karachi commissioner had completed its investigation and submitted a detailed report, which was later reviewed by a sub-committee of the Sindh cabinet. The report included interviews of all relevant individuals and acknowledged administrative lapses.
“Wherever responsibility is established, legal action will be taken,” Memon said, stressing that the government wanted the inquiry to meet the highest standards of transparency.
He also confirmed that compensation to the families of the victims had begun.
Rejecting claims of political pressure, Memon said the decision to form a judicial commission was taken independently and in response to public accountability.
The senior minister added that the government was considering placing the fire brigade, Civil Defence and rescue services under a unified command to improve emergency response in the future.
Calling the incident a major tragedy, he said the loss of 80 lives was an irreparable blow for the province.