The Sindh government has announced a judicial investigation into the tragic Gul Plaza fire incident, which claimed 80 lives.
The decision was announced by Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon while addressing a press conference alongside Karachi Police Chief Azad Khan on Thursday.
Sharjeel Memon said that at the time the fire broke out, an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 people were present inside Gul Plaza. Although many managed to escape, eighty precious lives were lost.
He revealed that the Civil Defence Department had conducted fire safety audits of 2,230 buildings following earlier warnings, but no action was taken. The district administration also failed to inform the provincial government about these audits, leading to the immediate suspension of the Director and Director General of Civil Defence.
He said that after the Gul Plaza tragedy, a special cabinet meeting was convened and a sub-committee was formed, while the Chief Minister also constituted a fact-finding committee. The committee’s report has now been received, and important decisions have been taken in light of its findings.
According to the minister, delays in water supply by the Water Board were identified, resulting in the removal of the Chief Engineer (Blocks) and Chief Hydrants. Departmental action has also been initiated against the Senior Director of the Municipal Corporation, while all rescue agencies will be brought under one command on the chief minister’s instructions.
Sharjeel Memon said that Gul Plaza lacked a proper firefighting system and was found to be in violation of its approved building plan. Serious irregularities were also identified during the leasing phase of the building, prompting the Anti-Corruption Establishment to initiate legal action. He added that if negligence by any union or individual is proven, strict action will be taken.
Answering a question about the cause of the fire, Sharjeel Memon said that the Inspector General of Police had informed that the fire spread through air-conditioning ducts. He added that evidence also pointed to an 11-year-old child being affected by the fire. “There is no need for a blame game. Strong evidence exists, and it will be presented before the court when required,” he said.
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