Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori has formally requested the constitution of a judicial inquiry commission to investigate the devastating fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza shopping centre, stressing the need for a transparent, independent and credible probe to determine its causes, regulatory failures and accountability.
In a letter addressed to Sindh High Court Chief Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput, the governor described the inferno as an extremely serious incident that resulted in irreparable loss of human lives and demanded judicial scrutiny. He emphasised that only an independent inquiry conducted under judicial oversight could ensure accountability and help prevent similar tragedies in the future.
“Given the gravity of the incident and widespread public concern, there is a compelling need for a transparent, independent and credible inquiry,” Governor Tessori wrote, adding that individuals or institutions found responsible must be identified and proceeded against in accordance with the law. He expressed hope that a judicially supervised investigation would restore public confidence in regulatory and safety mechanisms.
The Gul Plaza fire, the largest in Karachi in more than a decade, broke out on January 17 and rapidly engulfed the multi-storey shopping complex housing around 1,200 family-run stores. Rescue and search operations continued for ten days before concluding earlier this week, after which the burnt structure was sealed by authorities.
Meanwhile, an investigative report prepared by a committee headed by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi has confirmed that at least 79 people lost their lives in the blaze. According to sources, the report — to be submitted to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah — outlines the origin of the fire, the response time of rescue agencies and the conduct of relief operations, based on testimonies of victims, eyewitnesses and officials.
Preliminary findings indicate the fire originated at a ground-floor flower shop and spread rapidly through air-conditioning ducts, with the majority of fatalities occurring on the mezzanine floor. The tragedy has reignited debate over fire safety compliance and enforcement in commercial buildings across Sindh.
