Emotions flare in Sindh Assembly as opposition attacks govt for ‘failed rescue operation’ at Gul Plaza

KARACHI:

Opposition lawmakers on Monday attacked the provincial government in the Sindh Assembly for what they called “failed rescue operation” to save lives and control the fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza mall.

Lawmakers of Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) expressed immense concern and left the house chanting slogans against the government while members of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) remained present.

Sindh Labor Minister Saeed Ghani assured MPAs that the Sindh government would not abandon the affected traders and would take all possible measures to restore businesses, compensate the families of the deceased and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The session, chaired by Vice President Naveed Anthony, began with a delay of one hour and 18 minutes. Initially, the House observed a somber atmosphere as Treasury and Opposition members expressed grief over the tragedy and offered prayers for the deceased.

As proceedings began, Ghani asked for permission to make a statement about the incident. MQM-P members then stood up to demand that they be given the floor first.

The Deputy Speaker decided that other members would speak once the Minister had completed his statement. This triggered loud slogans from MQM-P members, who chanted slogans for accountability before staging a walkout. They did not return for the rest of the session.

In his speech, Ghani called the Gul Plaza incident “extremely tragic and heartbreaking,” saying the government does not absolve itself of responsibility and acknowledging that failings may have occurred. He stressed that now is not the time for political tensions, but rather for support for those affected.

He said the Sindh government had constituted committees to conduct transparent investigations into the incident and supervise the rehabilitation of the affected traders.

Recalling the Baldia factory fire in 2012, in which 290 people lost their lives, Ghani said the Gul Plaza incident was the “serious” fire tragedy since then. He said Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had clearly stated that the government would not declare itself innocent and had ordered an inquiry to find out the lapses of government institutions, traders and market associations.

He also shared details of the rescue operation, adding that although the Chief Minister and Mayor of Karachi were not in the city at that time, they remained in constant touch, while elected officials and councilors visited the scene.

Ghani informed the House that a committee comprising representatives of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, traders’ bodies including Gul Plaza Association had been formed to assess the losses and recommend financial assistance. Another committee, headed by the Karachi commissioner and an additional inspector general of police, would conduct a transparent investigation into the causes of the fire, with the possibility of seeking help from a forensic doctor in Lahore.

During the debate, JI MP Muhammad Farooq criticized government surveillance and alleged illegal constructions, while PTI MP Rehan Rajput demanded accountability from the Sindh Building Control Authority and called for a timetable for compensation payments.

Sindh Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah urged members to avoid politicizing the tragedy and assured the government’s full support to the affected traders. He said the government was prepared to order a judicial inquiry if necessary.

Later, the Sindh Assembly session was adjourned till 2 pm on Tuesday, while the question hour could not be held due to the tense atmosphere.