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Sindh Govt Orders Judicial Probe into Gul Plaza Tragedy; Relief Payments Begin
Sindh government announces a judicial commission to investigate the Gul Plaza tragedy. Relief checks for victims’ families have started, and Anti-Corruption probes into building permit violations are underway.
ND
by News Desk
2026-01-29
Sindh Govt Orders Judicial Probe into Gul Plaza Tragedy; Relief Payments Begin

The Sindh government on Thursday announced that a judicial commission will investigate the Gul Plaza tragedy, which claimed 80 lives, according to Senior Provincial Minister Sharjeel Memon.

Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Memon said he is writing to the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court to request that the inquiry be led by a serving judge, free from any political pressure. “We are accountable to the people, not to any political party,” he emphasized.

The minister noted that some political parties are attempting to politicize the incident, but the Sindh government’s decision to form a judicial commission is independent and based solely on public interest. Relief payments for the victims’ families have already begun.

Following the tragedy, the Sindh cabinet formed a committee to review the findings of a report prepared by a committee under the Karachi Commissioner’s chairmanship. “The report is detailed and includes interviews with all relevant individuals,” Memon said.

Highlighting the scale of the tragedy, Memon stated that 2,000 to 2,500 people were present in Gul Plaza at the time of the incident. The building had undergone two safety audits, but the recommendations were not implemented. He added that the Civil Defense Department had issued two notices since 2023 regarding safety concerns.

The minister also paid tribute to the firefighters who lost their lives, noting challenges such as water shortages during firefighting operations.

The committee’s findings revealed serious lapses in the building permit and lease, as well as violations of the approved building plan. There were no adequate firefighting systems in place, and the administration failed to ensure compliance. In response, the Anti-Corruption Department has been tasked with investigating potential negligence by senior officials.

Memon said the government is considering consolidating firefighting, civil defense, and rescue services under a single command to improve coordination during emergencies. “If any negligence of senior officials is found in the incident, strict action will be taken,” he added.

The Sindh government’s announcement signals a comprehensive approach to accountability, combining judicial inquiry, Anti-Corruption scrutiny, and institutional reforms to prevent future tragedies.
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