In mid-January, a devastating fire broke out at Gul Plaza, Karachi, claiming 79 lives and leaving dozens missing. According to the Sindh government’s investigation report, the inferno was triggered by a matchstick at a shop selling artificial flowers.
In a meeting today, the chief minister was informed that the fire broke out at Gul Plaza shopping centre on January 17, 2026, following which a cabinet subcommittee was constituted to frame the Terms of Reference (ToRs).
Read More: Gul Plaza fire causes Rs100 billion in losses, 1,000 shops destroyed
The ToRs were subsequently shared with the Sindh High Court, and a formal notification for a one-member Commission of Inquiry 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. It also highlighted delays in informing the fire brigade and noted that the emergency response remained significantly below the prescribed standards. The report held multiple stakeholders responsible for the lapses.
In light of the findings, the government constituted a high-level implementation committee to oversee the execution of the inquiry report and ensure accountability. Home and Law Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar was appointed as convener of the committee, while Local Government, Housing and Town Planning Minister Nasir Hussain Shah and Industries and Commerce Minister Ikramullah Dharejo will serve as members. Additional Chief Secretary Home Iqbal Memon will act as member/secretary.
Under the ToRs, the committee has been tasked with formulating a comprehensive strategy for the implementation of the commission’s recommendations, proposing corrective measures in view of the identified causes and shortcomings, and ensuring effective coordination among all relevant departments. The body will also monitor progress, regularly apprise the government of developments, and may co-opt experts or relevant officials as required.
Also Read: Fire safety orders ignored despite Gul Plaza tragedy
Speaking on the occasion, the home minister said the government was committed to undertaking institutional reforms, enforcing safety standards and fixing responsibility to prevent recurrence of such incidents. He warned that no negligence would be tolerated and strict legal action would be taken against those found responsible.
He added that the formation of the implementation committee marked a significant step towards ensuring justice for the victims and reflected the government’s resolve to safeguard the lives and property of citizens in the future.