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.