Committee charged with formulating a comprehensive strategy to implement the commission’s recommendations
View of the site after a fire broke out in the Gul Plaza shopping center. Photo: PPI
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Thursday considered the report of a judicial commission on the Gul Plaza fire tragedy and ordered the formation of a high-level ministerial committee to review the findings and ensure effective implementation of its recommendations.
In mid-January, a devastating fire broke out in Gul Plaza, Karachi, leaving 79 people dead and dozens missing. According to the Sindh government’s investigation report, the inferno was sparked by a match at a shop selling artificial flowers.
In a meeting today, the Chief Minister was informed that the fire broke out at Gul Plaza Mall on January 17, 2026, following which a ministerial sub-committee was constituted to frame the terms of reference (TOR).
Learn more: Gul Plaza fire causes 100 billion rupees losses, 1,000 shops destroyed
The terms of reference were later shared with the Sindh High Court and an official notification regarding the establishment of a one-member inquiry committee 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 firefighting system, proper alarm and communication mechanisms, and adequate evacuation arrangements. She also highlighted the delays in informing firefighters and noted that emergency interventions remained significantly below prescribed standards. The report holds several stakeholders responsible for these failings.
In light of the findings, the government constituted a high-level implementation committee to oversee the execution of the survey report and ensure accountability. Minister of Interior and Justice Ziaul Hassan Lanjar has been appointed chairman 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 Iqbal Memon will act as member/secretary.
As part of the ToR, the committee was tasked with formulating an overall strategy for the implementation of the commission’s recommendations, proposing corrective measures in view of the causes and shortcomings identified and ensuring effective coordination among all departments concerned. The body will also monitor progress, regularly inform the government of developments and may co-opt relevant experts or officials, as required.
Read also: Fire safety orders ignored despite Gul Plaza tragedy
Speaking on the occasion, the Interior Minister said the government was determined to undertake institutional reforms, enforce safety standards and define responsibilities to avoid recurrence of such incidents. He warned that no negligence would be tolerated and strict legal action would be taken against those responsible.
He added that the formation of the implementation committee marked an important step towards ensuring justice for the victims and reflected the government’s determination to protect the lives and property of citizens in the future.
