Karachi — Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Thursday reviewed the judicial commission’s report on the tragic Gul Plaza fire and directed the formation of a high-level ministerial committee to ensure effective implementation of its recommendations.
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The deadly fire at Gul Plaza in mid-January 2026 claimed 79 lives and left dozens missing. The Sindh government’s inquiry determined that the blaze originated from a matchstick at a shop selling artificial flowers.
Justice Agha Faisal headed the one-member Commission of Inquiry, which conducted site visits and hearings from February 16 to March 25 and submitted its report to the government on April 7. The report revealed multiple lapses, including inadequate firefighting systems, poor alarm and communication mechanisms, insufficient evacuation arrangements, delays in informing the fire brigade, and substandard emergency response. Multiple stakeholders were held accountable for the shortcomings.
To oversee the implementation, the government has established a high-level committee chaired by Home and Law Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar, with Local Government, Housing and Town Planning Minister Nasir Hussain Shah, Industries and Commerce Minister Ikramullah Dharejo, and Additional Chief Secretary Home Iqbal Memon as members. The committee is tasked with coordinating corrective measures, monitoring progress, and advising the government on necessary reforms.
Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar emphasized the government’s commitment to enforcing safety standards, holding negligent parties accountable, and preventing similar tragedies in the future. He said the committee’s formation was a critical step toward delivering justice to victims and protecting lives and property.
