- Independent judicial investigation to prevent future tragedies: Tessori.
- The governor hopes the judicial review will restore public trust.
- A report written 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 probe the deadly Gul Plaza fire, stressing the need for a transparent, independent and credible investigation to determine the causes, regulatory lapses and responsibilities.
Karachi’s biggest fire in more than a decade broke out on January 17 and quickly spread to the massive shopping complex, famous for its 1,200 mom-and-pop stores selling wedding wear, toys, tableware and other items.
The search operation following the deadly mall fire culminated after ten days of strenuous rescue and relief efforts, and the burned mall was cordoned off on Tuesday.
In a letter addressed to Sindh High Court Chief Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput, the governor said the Gul Plaza fire had resulted in irreparable loss of lives and it was an extremely serious matter requiring judicial review.
He stressed that only an independent investigation would ensure accountability and help prevent such disasters from happening again.
“Given the seriousness of the incident and the 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 a judicially supervised investigation would restore public confidence.
Commissioner’s report on Gul Plaza fire
Meanwhile, a probe report prepared by a committee headed by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi has confirmed that 79 people lost their lives in the Gul Plaza fire, sources said. PK Press Club Newshighlighting the scale of the tragedy mentioned by the governor in his letter.
According to the sources, the report – which is to be submitted to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah – details the causes of the fire, the fire brigade’s response, rescue operations and subsequent relief efforts, based on accounts of victims, eyewitnesses and rescue workers.
The fire broke out on January 17 around 10:15 p.m., while firefighters were alerted at 10:26 p.m. The first fire tender reached the site at 10:37 p.m., with Deputy Commissioner South arriving at 10:30 p.m. and Rescue 1122 personnel at 10:53 p.m.
Investigators concluded that the fire started in a flower shop on the ground floor, was believed to have been started by a child, and spread quickly to other parts of the building through the air conditioning ducts. The majority of deaths occurred on the mezzanine.
Earlier, Sindh Interior Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said concerns over possible sabotage or terrorism had been raised but clarity was still lacking. He added that anti-terrorism provisions would be included in the FIR if sufficient evidence emerges during investigations.
Separately, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced plans to rebuild shops at the site within two years, saying the remaining structure at Gul Plaza would be demolished.
