CM Murad Ali Shah orders inquiry into Gul Plaza fire; directs strict enforcement of fire safety laws

• CM orders immediate fire safety audits of commercial buildings across

• Sindh govt has never abandoned trading community and will not do so

 

KARACHI (Jan 18): Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah took serious notice of the devastating fire incident at Gul Plaza and directed the Commissioner Karachi to conduct an immediate inquiry into the causes of the blaze and submit a detailed report.

The chief minister was briefed at the CM House by the Commissioner Karachi Hassan Naqvi and Deputy Commissioner South Javed Khoso on the fire, which broke out between 9:45 pm and 10:15 pm.

According to the briefing, more than 1,200 shops were gutted in the incident. Firefighting operations managed to bring 60 to 70 per cent of the fire under control, while rescue and cooling operations were still underway.

The chief minister was told that six people lost their lives and 22 others were injured in the fire. All injured persons were shifted to the Burns Ward of Civil Hospital i for treatment. A massive emergency response was launched, involving 22 fire brigade vehicles, 10 water bowzers, four snorkel vehicles, and 33 Rescue 1122 ambulances.

Expressing profound grief over the loss of precious human lives, the chief minister conveyed heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the families of the deceased. He also expressed deep sorrow over the heavy financial losses suffered by the affected traders.

The chief minister paid rich tribute to a firefighter who was martyred during the firefighting operation, stating that firefighters risked their own lives to save citizens. He directed the health authorities to ensure the best possible medical treatment for all injured persons.

Murad Ali Shah instructed the district administration, police, and rescue agencies to continue rescue and cooling operations until the fire is completely extinguished and the situation returns to normal. He stressed that the administration and police must remain fully engaged on the ground until all risks are eliminated.

Taking a strict stance, the chief minister ordered a thorough investigation to determine the causes of the fire and assess whether any negligence or lapse contributed to the incident. He directed that fire safety arrangements in the building be examined in detail, warning that those found guilty of negligence or carelessness would face strict action.

The chief minister further ordered immediate fire safety audits of commercial buildings across Karachi and directed authorities to ensure strict enforcement of fire safety laws to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Emphasising public safety, Murad Ali Shah said that all institutions must remain alert and prepared at all times to protect the lives and property of citizens. He reiterated that the Sindh government has never abandoned the trading community and will not do so now, adding that he was deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the tragic incident.