Gul Plaza tragedy: CM Sindh Shah convenes meeting to review probe report

WEB DESK: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has convened a meeting on Thursday to review the investigative report into the Gul Plaza tragedy, as the provincial government considers its next steps, including the possible formation of a judicial commission.

According to officials, the meeting will examine the inquiry report prepared by the Karachi commissioner regarding the deadly incident at Gul Plaza. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said that no decision has been taken so far to remove any officer in light of the findings.

He added that the meeting would also deliberate on whether to establish a judicial commission to determine responsibility for the tragedy.

Possibility of judicial commission

Sources in the Sindh government said there is a strong possibility that a judicial commission may be formed to further investigate the incident. Any such decision, they added, would be made by a committee headed by the chief minister.

However, senior provincial minister Sharjeel Inam Memon cautioned against speculation ahead of the formal review of the report, stressing that no final decision had yet been taken.

According to the report, the blaze originated at an artificial flower shop on the ground floor after the shop owner left his 11-year-old son alone; the child was reportedly playing with a lighter along with a friend when the fire broke out. Security guards immediately shut off the building’s electricity, as required in case of a suspected short circuit, but the fire and smoke rapidly spread through the air-conditioning ducts. The report notes that Gul Plaza lacked a fire alarm system and proper firefighting arrangements, while people trapped inside struggled to escape due to the power outage and delayed reactions, particularly on the upper floors.

Firefighting efforts were hampered when three fire tenders ran out of water within a short time and were resupplied only after 45 minutes. The inquiry further found that firefighters lacked adequate training to handle emergency situations and that the fire department was not fully equipped to respond to such crises. Rescue teams reached the site at 11:53am, while the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) failed to take action over unauthorised changes to the building’s layout.

The report also pointed out that Civil Defence did not inspect firefighting equipment and that there was a serious lack of coordination among departments during the incident. The 20-page investigation report includes attached documents and incorporates findings from the SBCA, rescue services, civil defence, district administration, fire department and police.

Govt awaits formal review of report

Calling the Gul Plaza incident “deeply tragic,” Sharjeel Memon said the Sindh government stood with the affected families. He confirmed that the investigation report had been completed and would be presented before the cabinet committee later today.

“The Sindh government has not officially released the report,” Memon said, urging the public not to rely on claims circulating on social media. He stressed that the findings would be assessed comprehensively before any action was announced.

He said that if the report identifies any individual or department as responsible, strict action would be taken. “If the fire brigade failed to reach the site on time, there will also be accountability for that lapse,” he added.

No premature decisions, says minister

Sharjeel Memon said it would be inappropriate to engage in conjecture before the report is formally reviewed, including discussions on forming a judicial commission. He emphasised that the decision to establish such a commission rests solely with the Sindh government and not with the demands of any political party.

He further said the investigative findings would be examined from all angles to ensure transparency and fairness.

Relief for victims and affected businesses

The senior minister also revealed that compensation cheques had already been delivered to the homes of some of those who lost their lives in the tragedy. In addition, arrangements were being made to support business owners affected by the incident.

The Gul Plaza tragedy had sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability, with the provincial government now under pressure to ensure that those responsible are identified and held to account following the review of the investigation report.