Committee charged with formulating a comprehensive strategy to implement the commission’s recommendations
View of the site after a fire broke out at the Gul Plaza shopping center. Photo: PPI
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Thursday reviewed the report of a judicial commission on the Gul Plaza fire tragedy and ordered the formation of a high-level ministerial committee to examine the findings and ensure effective implementation of its recommendations.
In mid-January, a devastating fire broke out in Gul Plaza, Karachi, claiming 79 lives and leaving dozens missing. According to the investigation report of the Sindh government, the fire was caused by a match in a shop selling artificial flowers.
In a meeting today, the Prime Minister was informed that the fire occurred at Gul Plaza shopping mall on January 17, 2026, following which a cabinet sub-committee was constituted to prepare the Terms of Reference (ToR).
Read more: Gul Plaza fire causes losses of 100 billion rupees and 1,000 shops destroyed
The ToR was subsequently shared with the Sindh High Court, and a formal notification for a single-member Commission of Inquiry was issued on February 4. The commission, headed by Justice Agha Faisal, conducted site visits and hearings from February 16 to March 25, and submitted its report to the Sindh government on April 7.
According to the report, the building lacked an effective fire suppression system, adequate alarm and communication mechanisms, and adequate evacuation arrangements. It also highlighted delays in informing firefighters and noted that the emergency response remained significantly below prescribed standards. The report held multiple stakeholders responsible for the failures.
In light of the findings, the government constituted a high-level implementation committee to oversee the execution of the inquiry report and ensure accountability. Minister of Home Affairs and Law Ziaul Hassan Lanjar has been appointed as the coordinator of the committee, while Minister of Local Government, Housing and Urban Planning Nasir Hussain Shah and Minister of Industry and Commerce Ikramullah Dharejo will be members. Additional Chief Secretary Home Iqbal Memon will act as member/secretary.
As per the ToR, the committee has been tasked with formulating a comprehensive strategy for the implementation of the commission’s recommendations, proposing corrective measures in view of the identified causes and deficiencies and ensuring effective coordination between all relevant departments. The body will also monitor progress, periodically report to the government on developments, and may co-opt relevant experts or officials as necessary.
Also read: Fire Safety Orders Ignored Despite Gul Plaza Tragedy
On the occasion, the Home Minister said that the government was committed to undertaking institutional reforms, enforcing security norms and determining responsibilities to prevent recurrence of such incidents. He warned that no negligence will be tolerated and strict legal action will be taken against those responsible.
He added that the formation of the implementation committee marked a significant step in ensuring justice for the victims and reflected the government’s determination to safeguard the lives and properties of citizens in the future.
