KARACHI: The judicial commission investigating the deadly Gul Plaza shopping mall fire recorded statements from two surviving shopkeepers, who described chaos, thick smoke, and a lack of emergency response during the tragedy.
A massive blaze erupted at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road on the night of January 17. The fire engulfed the commercial building, trapped dozens inside, and burned for more than 32 hours before authorities brought it under control. The incident exposed serious gaps in the city’s emergency preparedness.
Muhammad Junaid told the commission that he noticed smoke around 10:15pm while closing his mezzanine-floor shop. He waited briefly before leaving at 11:15pm through a bathroom exit with two others. However, he said thick smoke blocked visible escape routes. He later lost consciousness outside the building and an Edhi ambulance shifted him to hospital. Moreover, he stated that neither management nor rescue agencies made announcements or visible rescue efforts.
Similarly, survivor Ali Haider said he saw smoke on the ground floor while closing his shop. He exited from the back but returned after noticing smoke without flames. Within minutes, fire reached his shop, where suitcases and flammable items intensified the blaze. He fainted after two suitcases exploded and regained consciousness in hospital.
Earlier, Gul Plaza Association President Tanveer Pasta appeared before the commission. He stated that the plaza typically closes between 10:30pm and 11:00pm and that no authority strictly enforced closing times.
Additionally, he explained that gates close gradually, with the ramp shutting around 11:30pm on Saturdays. He confirmed that 280 CCTV cameras were installed, though some DVRs were recovered from debris after the building collapsed. He also noted that the plaza housed 1,153 leased shops.
