KARACHI – The Judicial Commission, established to investigate the devastating fire at Gul Plaza, has officially concluded its proceedings and submitted its comprehensive findings to the Law Secretary of Sindh.
Submission and Process
The head of the commission, Justice Agha Faisal, presented the report to the Law Secretary, acknowledging the tireless efforts of the commission members and the constructive role played by the media during the investigation. The Law Secretary confirmed that the report will be forwarded to the Chief Secretary of Sindh. The final decision regarding whether the report will be made public rests with the provincial government.
Background of the Tragedy
The fire, which erupted on January 17, 2026, resulted in the loss of over 73 lives. While six bodies were recovered intact, the remains of other victims were later retrieved from the site. In response to the tragedy, the Sindh government issued a gazette notification for the formation of the Judicial Commission on February 10, and the commission formally began its site visit on February 14.
Scope of Investigation
The commission recorded statements and conducted cross-examinations across multiple phases. This process involved emergency services such as the Fire Brigade, Rescue 1122, Edhi, and Chhipa, as well as utility and regulatory bodies including K-Electric, SSGC, Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), and KMC. Additionally, statements were taken from police officials, journalists, eyewitnesses, and the Senior Member of the Board of Revenue, who appeared in person on March 25. The report aims to pinpoint the causes of the fire, identify safety lapses, and suggest recommendations to prevent such catastrophes in the future.
