KARACHI: Proceedings of the Sindh Assembly were once again adjourned early on Tuesday as the opposition continued its protest for a second consecutive day, reiterating its demand of formation of a judicial commission to determine responsibility for the Gul Plaza fire.
Spearheading the protest, members of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) gathered in front of the Speaker’s dais, raising slogans which disrupted the House and led to the adjournment of the sitting after a brief transaction of business.
The session began under the chair of Deputy Speaker, Naveed Anthony.
Speaking on the floor, Opposition Leader Ali Khursheedi said the opposition had raised the same demand a day earlier, calling for a judicial inquiry into the Gul Plaza tragedy. He rejected the government-formed committee, describing it as inadequate, and questioned how officers working under the government could conduct a transparent investigation. “I am ready to present a resolution on this issue and the government should support it,” he said, adding that there was no trust in the home minister’s statement. “Form an independent judicial commission and end our politics if you want. We are not afraid. Do whatever pressure you want to apply,” he added.
Responding to it, Sindh Home Minister Zia Ul Hassan Lanjar said the opposition had been repeating the same arguments for the past three days and was unwilling to listen to the government’s position. “They should first listen to us and then bring their resolution,” he said.
The minister informed the House that the chief minister had already addressed the Assembly on the Gul Plaza incident, followed by the opposition leader. He said the provincial cabinet had decided that the Karachi commissioner would carry out the inquiry, and a committee had also been formed under the leadership of the chief minister. “The committee believes that if the inquiry is found to be insufficient, a judicial commission will be constituted,” he said, assuring the House that those found involved would be punished. “We want to assure the Assembly that a complete investigation will be conducted. Let the findings of one week’s investigation come before politicising the issue or disrupting the atmosphere of the House. What they are demanding through a resolution is already under way,” he added.
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon supported the home minister’s statement, saying each point had been discussed in detail. He said the Sindh government had stood with Karachi’s traders from day one, and that the business community had expressed confidence in investigation. “A five-member committee has been formed to probe the Gul Plaza tragedy. If the committee deems it necessary, a judicial commission will also be constituted,” he said, adding that the government would not act under anyone’s dictation.
During Sharjeel Memon’s speech, MQM members stood up at their seats and resumed their protest. Responding to the slogans, he said that actions taken against the people of Karachi in the past had not been forgotten, adding that a forensic team from Lahore was conducting an examination of the Gul Plaza site. “The government stands with the victims’ families and traders. Political point-scoring and theatrics will not resolve the issue,” he said.
As the protest continued, opposition members again moved in front of the Speaker’s dais and raised slogans against the Sindh government. Amid the disorder, the Deputy Speaker announced the question hour; however, no questions were taken from the opposition benches.
Subsequently, the Sindh Assembly session was adjourned until Friday at 10:30 am.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026