KARACHI: The Commissioner of Karachi, along with an additional IG-led committee, has finalized the investigation report on the Gul Plaza fire incident. The report is expected to be presented to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah soon.
According to sources, the report includes details on the cause of the fire, firefighting efforts, and rescue operations, as well as information gathered from victims, eyewitnesses, and rescue officials.
The investigation found that the fire originated in a flower shop on the ground floor, reportedly caused by a child’s activity, and spread rapidly via the air-conditioning ducts.
Sources further stated that the tragedy resulted in 79 deaths, with the majority occurring on the mezzanine floor.
The fire reportedly started at 10:15 pm, and the fire brigade received the first alert at 10:26 pm.
The Deputy Commissioner South reached the site at 10:30 pm, while the first fire tender arrived at 10:37 pm. Rescue 1122 personnel reached Gul Plaza at 10:53 pm.
Meanwhile, opposition leader Ali Khursheedi expressed dissatisfaction with the inquiry in the Sindh Assembly, calling for a judicial inquiry.
He argued that the current investigation lacks credibility as it is being conducted by officials who should be held accountable.
Khursheedi said, “The officer responsible for accountability is conducting the inquiry. Who will accept this investigation? How can the Commissioner of Karachi investigate the Gul Plaza tragedy? If the PPP believes we are politicizing the matter, a judicial inquiry will settle the issue once and for all.”
