Governor Kamran Tessori writes to SHC CJ for judicial inquiry into Gul Plaza tragedy

Karachi, Thursday: Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori has formally requested a judicial inquiry into the tragic Gul Plaza fire. He wrote a letter to Sindh High Court Chief Justice Justice Zafar Ahmed Rajput, calling for the formation of an independent inquiry commission.

The governor said the investigation must be transparent, credible, and free from outside influence. He stressed that the goal is to identify the real causes of the fire, regulatory failures, and those responsible.

Karachi’s Deadliest Fire in Over a Decade

The massive fire broke out on January 17 at Gul Plaza, one of Karachi’s largest shopping centres. The blaze spread rapidly through the building.

Gul Plaza was home to around 1,200 small, family-owned shops. These shops sold wedding dresses, toys, crockery, and other household items.

It was the deadliest fire incident in Karachi in more than ten years.

Search Operation Ends After Ten Days

Rescue and search operations continued for ten days after the fire. Firefighters and rescue workers worked in extremely difficult conditions.

After the operation ended, authorities sealed the damaged shopping centre on Tuesday. The fire caused massive destruction and loss of life.

Call for Accountability and Public Trust

In his letter, Governor Tessori said the tragedy resulted in an irreparable loss of human lives. He described the incident as extremely serious and deserving of judicial scrutiny.

He said only a court-supervised inquiry could ensure accountability. He added that such an inquiry would also help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

The governor expressed hope that judicial oversight would restore public confidence.

Commissioner’s Report Confirms 79 Deaths

Meanwhile, a separate investigation report has confirmed that 79 people lost their lives in the Gul Plaza fire.

Sources said the report was prepared by a committee led by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi. The report will be submitted to Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

The findings are based on statements from victims, eyewitnesses, rescue workers, and officials.

Timeline of the Fire and Rescue Response

According to the report, the fire started at 10:15pm on January 17. The fire brigade was informed at 10:26pm.

The first fire tender reached the site at 10:37pm. The Deputy Commissioner South arrived at 10:30pm, while Rescue 1122 teams reached the location at 10:53pm.

Cause of Fire and Spread

Investigators concluded that the fire started at a flower shop on the ground floor. It was allegedly caused by a child.

The fire spread quickly through air-conditioning ducts, reaching other parts of the building. Most deaths occurred on the mezzanine floor, where people were trapped.

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar earlier said that the possibility of sabotage or terrorism had been discussed.

However, he said no clear evidence had emerged so far. Anti-terrorism clauses will be added to the FIR if proof is found during investigations.

Separately, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced that shops at the site would be rebuilt within two years.

He said the remaining structure of Gul Plaza would be demolished before reconstruction begins.