KARACHI – The judicial commission investigating the Gul Plaza tragedy has entered its final stages, with a formal report expected to be released shortly. As the inquiry wraps up, the commission has intensified its scrutiny of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), demanding critical clarifications regarding regulatory oversight.
Key Inquiries and Correspondence The Registrar of the Judicial Commission, Iqbal Hussain Khatti, has dispatched a formal letter to the Director General of the SBCA. The commission has raised pointed questions regarding which authority bears the primary responsibility for ensuring rule compliance in commercial complexes like Gul Plaza. Furthermore, the registrar has sought a detailed explanation of the SBCA’s specific role in implementing Building and Town Planning Regulations and its defined duties concerning the ongoing monitoring and enforcement of these regulations.
Deadline for Response The SBCA has been directed to submit a comprehensive written reply to these queries by April 1st.
Background of the Inquiry The judicial commission was established at the request of the Sindh Government to uncover the causes of the Gul Plaza incident, with a mandate to complete its findings within an eight-week timeframe. During the proceedings, the commission has conducted an extensive investigation, recording statements from eyewitnesses, victims, and shopkeepers, as well as technical experts and urban planners. Additionally, the commission has documented testimonies from heads of the SBCA, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), Board of Revenue, Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, Fire Brigade, and various welfare organizations.
The upcoming report is expected to highlight systemic failures and recommend strict measures to prevent similar tragedies in Karachi’s densely populated commercial hubs.
