Gul Plaza tragedy: Panels formed for investigation, rehabilitation: Ghani

KARACHI: Sindh Minister for Labour, Human Resources and Social Protection Saeed Ghani, on Monday, announced that the Sindh government has constituted separate committees to ensure a transparent investigation into the Gul Plaza tragedy and to oversee the rehabilitation of the affectees.

The Sindh government has also announced compensation of Rs 10 million for each deceased. He said the committees will examine the causes of the incident and present their recommendations and reports, including proposals for the restoration of affected traders.

A committee will comprise representatives of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Gul Plaza Traders Association and of other associated trade bodies. It is tasked to assess the losses to Gul Plaza shopkeepers and compile a report, so that the Sindh government can provide financial assistance for the rehabilitation of the affected traders to restart their businesses.

In addition, another committee headed by the Karachi Commissioner and the Additional Inspector General to conduct a transparent inquiry into the causes and factors behind the tragedy.

This committee will have the authority to include other members and, if required, engage the services of an experienced firm. A forensic team from Lahore will also be contacted in connection with the incident.

The Labour Minister explained that the committee will determine where the government and its institutions fell short, and where shopkeepers and the market association were negligent. “All shortcomings will be brought to light so that such tragedies can be prevented in the future,” he added.

The Minister regretted that politicising the tragedy amounted to grave injustice to the affecttees, the people of Karachi and of the province.

Providing details of the incident, Saeed Ghani said a fire broke out in one shop at around 10:15 pm. A fire tender reached the site within 12 minutes. By the time he said, the fire had spread across the plaza and was declared a third-category blaze. Firefighting operation was then launched with around 26 fire tenders and four snorkels from across the city, including those of the KMC, Rescue 1122, Pakistan Navy and Civil Aviation.

He said 100 KMC personnel and Rescue 1122 staff remained continuously engaged in the operation, while the Karachi Commissioner, Deputy Commissioner, DIGs, SSPs and other senior officials were present at the site.

He clarified that although the Chief Minister Sindh and the Mayor of Karachi were not in the city at the time. This did not mean they were unaware of the situation.

“They remained in constant contact from the moment the fire broke out,” he said, adding that elected representatives, advisers, he himself and the Deputy Mayor were present at the site and monitored the operation closely.

Saeed Ghani said Gul Plaza covered an area of about 8,000 square yards—nearly two acres—making it extremely difficult to control a fire spread over such a vast area.

Initially, reports confirmed six deaths and 20 injuries, after which a large number of people gathered at the site, fearing their loved ones were trapped inside.

The Deputy Commissioner South immediately set up a help desk and publicised phone numbers through the media to collect information about missing persons.

According to available data, the centre housed 1,021 shops, all of which have been completely destroyed.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026