The Gul Plaza fire probe has officially been launched as Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab vowed to identify those responsible for one of the city’s deadliest commercial building fires in recent years. The devastating blaze at Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road has so far claimed at least 26 lives, while dozens of people remain missing.
Speaking on a television programme, Wahab confirmed that the firefighting operation has been completed, though challenges persist as flames continue to reignite during the cooling process. He explained that intense heat trapped inside the structure is causing repeated flare-ups, making rescue efforts extremely difficult and dangerous.
According to the mayor, rescue teams are accessing the building from three different entry points to search for victims and clear debris. So far, 20 bodies have been identified, while authorities have received reports of 65 to 80 people missing, with numbers being verified as operations continue.
The Sindh government has announced Rs. 10 million compensation for each deceased victim’s family. Wahab assured affected families that the government would provide all possible support, including assistance for traders who suffered significant financial losses due to the fire.
An official inquiry will be conducted under the supervision of the Karachi Commissioner to determine negligence and accountability. In addition, a separate committee has been formed to assess traders’ losses and recommend compensation. The committee includes representatives from the Karachi Chamber of Commerce, the Sindh Local Government Minister, the Karachi Commissioner, and the mayor himself.
Wahab also revealed serious building irregularities, stating that while the plaza’s plan was approved in 1998, multiple violations occurred later. Although 1,021 shops were regularised, investigations have now revealed that the building housed around 1,200 shops, exceeding approved limits.
The mayor emphasized that recent fire safety audits conducted across more than 600 buildings in Karachi were part of ongoing efforts to prevent such tragedies. However, he acknowledged resistance whenever enforcement actions are taken.
As rescue operations continue around the clock, the full scale of the Gul Plaza fire tragedy is still unfolding, with authorities determined to ensure accountability and justice.
