- Independent judicial investigation to prevent future tragedies: Tessori.
- The governor hopes judicial oversight will restore public confidence.
- “The report prepared by the commissioner “confirms 79 deaths” in the Gul Plaza fire.”
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori has called for the formation of a judicial commission of inquiry to investigate the deadly Gul Plaza fire, highlighting the need for a transparent, independent and credible investigation to determine the causes, regulatory failures and accountability.
Karachi’s biggest fire in more than a decade broke out on Jan. 17 and quickly spread through the sprawling shopping complex, famous for its 1,200 mom-and-pop shops selling wedding clothes, toys, tableware and other products.
The search operation for the deadly mall fire culminated after ten days of arduous rescue and relief efforts, and the burned mall was sealed on Tuesday.
In a letter addressed to Sindh High Court Chief Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput, the governor stated that the fire at Gul Plaza caused irreparable loss of life and was an extremely serious matter requiring judicial scrutiny.
He stressed that only an independent investigation will ensure accountability and help prevent such disasters from happening again.
“Given the seriousness of the incident and widespread public concern, there is a compelling need for a transparent, independent and credible investigation,” the governor wrote, adding that any person or institution found responsible must be identified in accordance with the law.
Governor Tessori expressed hope that an investigation conducted under judicial supervision would restore public confidence.
Commissioner’s report on the Gul Plaza fire
Meanwhile, an inquiry report prepared by a committee headed by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi confirmed that 79 people lost their lives in the Gul Plaza fire, sources said. Geographic newsunderscoring the magnitude of the tragedy cited by the governor in his letter.
According to sources, the report, which will be submitted to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, details the causes of the fire, the response of firefighters, rescue operations and subsequent relief efforts, based on accounts from victims, eyewitnesses and rescue officials.
The fire started around 10:15 p.m. on January 17, while firefighters were notified at 10:26 p.m. The first fire patrol arrived at the scene at 10:37 p.m., the Deputy Commissioner South arrived at 10:30 p.m. and Rescue 1122 personnel arrived at 10:53 p.m.
Investigators concluded that the fire originated in a ground-floor flower shop, allegedly started by a child, and quickly spread through air conditioning ducts to other parts of the building. Most of the deaths occurred on the mezzanine.
Earlier, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said concerns had been raised about possible sabotage or terrorism but clarity was still lacking. He added that anti-terrorism provisions would be included in the FIR if sufficient evidence emerged during investigations.
Separately, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced plans to rebuild shops at the site within two years, stating that the remaining structure of Gul Plaza would be demolished.
