Committee to probe Gul Plaza fire: Commissioner Karachi

KARACHI: Commissioner Karachi has announced the formation of an investigation committee to probe the fire incident at Gul Plaza. The committee will examine the causes of the blaze and review safety arrangements at the building.

According to the commissioner, the fire is extremely intense and firefighting operations are continuing. He said nearly one million gallons of water have been used so far to control the blaze.

The commissioner added that the Chief Secretary will issue a formal notification to constitute the inquiry committee. The investigation will also determine whether negligence or violation of safety regulations contributed to the incident.

Meanwhile, rescue teams remain present at the site, while relevant authorities are providing full support to control the situation and ensure public safety.

Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) under its Shanakht [identity] Programme has established a help desk outside the Civil Hospital Trauma Center to assist affected families.

According to the Incharge of the CPLC Shanakht Project, relatives of missing persons can provide details of their loved ones at the help desk. So far, families of six missing individuals have contacted the CPLC and submitted their information. Officials fear that several people may still be trapped under the rubble or inside the damaged building.

The CPLC Shanakht Program is also facilitating the identification of unidentified bodies through DNA profiling, if required.

The Sindh government has issued helpline numbers for public assistance regarding missing persons linked to the Gul Plaza fire. Citizens have been urged to report any information or disappearance to the Deputy Commissioner South, Government of Sindh.

The helpline contact numbers are:
0313-5048048
021-99206372
021-99205625

Information regarding missing persons will also be provided through these numbers.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab expressed deep grief over the martyrdom of firefighter Furqan, who lost his life while extinguishing the blaze at Gul Plaza. The mayor said that Shaheed Furqan sacrificed his life in the line of duty, adding that rescue personnel continue to risk their lives to bring the situation under control.

“In this hour of grief, I stand with the family of Shaheed Furqan,” Mayor Wahab said, assuring that the Municipal Corporation will fully support its martyred employees.

Rescue and relief operations are ongoing as authorities continue efforts to manage the aftermath of the fire.