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Gul Plaza tragedy

SHC forms judicial commission to probe Gul Plaza tragedy

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SHC

KARACHI: The Sindh High Court (SHC) has constituted a judicial commission to investigate the deadly fire incident at Gul Plaza, a well-known shopping center located on M.A. Jinnah Road, Karachi.

The tragic incident occurred on January 17, 2026, when a massive fire broke out at Gul Plaza, claiming the lives of more than 70 people. Following the incident, the Sindh government wrote a letter to the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court on January 29, requesting a judicial inquiry into the matter. The SHC has now responded to that request.

Based on the Sindh Tribunals of Inquiry Ordinance 1969 and the Terms of Reference submitted by the Sindh government, the Sindh High Court has formed a single-member judicial commission headed by Justice Agha Faisal. The commission will investigate the fire incident and determine its causes and responsibility.

The duration of the commission and other procedural details will be formally notified by the Sindh government.

According to a letter issued by the Registrar’s Office of the Sindh High Court, all relevant records and documents related to the incident are to be presented before Justice Agha Faisal. The Sindh Home Department has also been informed in this regard.

The Gul Plaza fire remains one of the deadliest fire incidents in Karachi’s recent history, raising serious concerns over building safety and fire prevention measures.

Sindh CM writes to Chief Justice for judicial inquiry into Gul Plaza tragedy

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Sindh CM writes

Karachi: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has formally written to the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court requesting a judicial inquiry into the Gul Plaza incident.

Earlier, during a press conference in Karachi, senior provincial minister Sharjeel Memon stated that the letter requests the Chief Justice to assign a sitting judge to conduct the investigation.

He emphasized that the decision for a judicial commission was independent of political pressures and that the government is answerable to the public, not any political party.

“Some political parties are trying to politicize the incident, but the Sindh government is not,” Memon said. “We acted on our own responsibility and initiated the judicial inquiry when it was deemed necessary.”

Memon explained that after the tragedy, the Sindh Cabinet had formed a committee, which was tasked with reviewing the report submitted by a committee led by the Commissioner of Karachi. “The Commissioner’s committee report has been received. It is very detailed and includes interviews of all relevant individuals,” he added.

He provided key details about the incident: At the time of the fire, the building housed 2,000–2,500 people. The Gul Plaza building had undergone two safety audits, but their recommendations were not implemented. During the fire, 80 precious lives were lost, and firefighters faced a shortage of water while trying to control the blaze. Memon paid tribute to the brave firefighter who sacrificed his life.

Memon said that all emergency and rescue agencies will now operate under a unified command. “The building lacked proper fire-fighting systems and other safety measures.

Even when authorities were informed, they did not act. We are taking steps to integrate the fire brigade, civil defense, and rescue agencies under one command structure,” he explained.

The minister also revealed that the committee identified serious irregularities in the building’s lease and construction approvals.

The Anti-Corruption Department has been directed to investigate these lapses. The building’s construction was found in violation of approved plans, and the Building Control Authority’s permits will be thoroughly reviewed. Memon warned that any negligence by senior officials will result in strict action.