KARACHI: Karachi police on Monday constituted a five-member special investigation team to make “all-out efforts” to arrest suspects and carry out an impartial probe into the deadly Gul Plaza fire, which has claimed at least 73 lives.
According to an order issued by South Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Syed Asad Raza, the team has been tasked with arresting those responsible and ensuring a fair investigation. The notification directed investigators to utilise “all available resources” and submit daily progress reports to the DIG’s office.
An FIR registered on January 23 at Nabi Bux police station termed the blaze an outcome of “negligence and carelessness”. The case has been lodged against unknown persons, as no suspects have yet been nominated.
The investigation team comprises the Garden SDPO, the Kharadar investigation DSP, the head of the Garden Central Investigation Cell, the Nabi Bux SHO, and the case investigation officer. The team has also been authorised to co-opt officers from the South Zone police if required.
The inferno broke out on the night of January 17 and took nearly two days to be fully extinguished, destroying more than 1,100 shops. Only 23 victims have been identified so far. After nine days of search operations, DIG Raza said the operation concluded on Sunday and the plaza has since been sealed. Traffic restrictions on M.A. Jinnah Road have been lifted, while the KMC has begun securing the structure with green construction mesh.
Inquiry to ‘consider all aspects’
Speaking to the media, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said an inquiry committee had been formed and would examine “all aspects” of the incident, including the possibility of arson. He asserted that those found responsible would be punished.
“We have mistakes; I admit it,” the chief minister said, acknowledging systemic shortcomings, including weak audits and outdated laws. He invited anyone with relevant information to approach the inquiry committee, adding, “If we are responsible, we will accept punishment.”
Responding to criticism over inadequate water supply during rescue operations, the CM admitted the province’s fire-fighting capacity was insufficient, citing “legacy issues” and overlapping mandates of multiple departments. He announced that departments dealing with emergency response and fire safety would be merged, with legislation already in progress.
The chief minister recalled the compensation package announced for victims: Rs10 million for each deceased person’s family and Rs5m for affected shopkeepers. He added that, in collaboration with the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the government would reimburse business losses, including destroyed inventory, within a month.
Rejecting calls by MQM-P to make Karachi a federal territory, CM Murad said it was not the time for such debates, urging focus on accountability and reforms. He also asked the media to offer constructive criticism without “adding fuel to the fire”.
‘No compromise’ on fire safety audits
Separately, CM Murad warned there would be “no compromise” on the enforcement of fire safety measures as part of a province-wide audit covering 2,368 buildings in the first phase. Sukkur tops the list with 898 buildings, followed by Karachi (562), Hyderabad (540), Shaheed Benazirabad (171), Larkana (143), and Mirpurkhas (54).
He said audits would prioritise buildings with higher footfall. Owners will be required to meet 20 safety targets, including installing alarms and fire extinguishers, clearly marking exits, clearing evacuation routes, and ensuring backup lighting.
Buildings making partial compliance within a week may be given limited additional time, but those failing to initiate any work will be sealed. “There will be no compromise,” the chief minister said, urging collective responsibility to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
