MQM, PPP and PTI clash over fire response; Lawmakers debate negligence, chemical use
Rescue workers search through the debris using excavators after a massive fire at a mall in Karachi. Photo: AFP
ISLAMABAD:
The National Assembly witnessed a fiery session on Tuesday as government allies clashed over the fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza, exchanging sharp accusations and verbal barbs while pointing fingers at institutional failures, governance and past policies.
The session, chaired by Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, saw Defense Minister Khawaja Asif raise two points for the next constitutional amendment: the need for a uniform curriculum and a functional local government system.
Tensions quickly flared between the parties. Members of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) exchanged sharp remarks during the debate on the tragedy. Allied parties also targeted the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), intensifying the confrontation.
MQM legislators sought permission to discuss the Gul Plaza fire and insisted that the regular proceedings be suspended for a focused debate. Initially, the government resisted, but protests by MQM and PTI members forced the suspension of the regular agenda.
Opening the discussion, MQM legislator criticized Dr. Farooq Sattar sharply criticized the handling of the fire and highlighted institutional failures and the PPP-led provincial government’s inadequate response. In turn, PPP members countered the criticism.
Shehla Raza questioned why several places in the square caught fire and why chemicals were allegedly used that hampered firefighting efforts. She added that such incidents often expose underlying frustrations and reveal weaknesses in the local governance system.
PPP member Abdul Qadir Patel accused MQM founder Altaf Hussain’s bodyguard, Goga, of overseeing the unauthorized construction of Gul Plaza. MQM’s Wasim Hussain countered the allegation, claiming that Patel had earlier been involved in the square’s construction.
Defense Minister Khawaja Asif framed the debate in the context of broader governance issues, noting that previous military governments had strengthened local government systems, while political administrations had historically avoided them.
He stressed that for the National Assembly to function effectively, representation must be extended to neighborhoods and local governance must be fully operational. Without this, he argued, the 18th Amendment remained largely symbolic. He added that the next constitutional amendment must guarantee a uniform curriculum and a functioning municipal system nationwide.
Regarding the situation in the former tribal areas, PTI lawmakers including Iqbal Afridi called for a debate on displacement of people in Khyber, Bajaur and Mohmand districts due to ongoing operations. Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUI) supported this demand.
Afridi claimed that internally displaced persons (IDPs) were left without adequate support, with the federal government failing to monitor the situation properly while provincial authorities tried to manage the crisis.
Former Speaker of the National Assembly and senior PTI member Asad Qaiser highlighted a recent jirga held by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Assembly, whose declaration was signed by 21 parties, including the PPP, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) and Awami National Party (ANP). Qaiser proposed that the provincial assembly be consulted on provincial issues and called for a joint parliamentary session to formulate a national strategy against terrorism.
Home Minister Talal Chaudhry defended the operations in KP and noted that the National Action Plan (NAP), formulated under the previous PTI government, was being implemented. He alleged that the KP Chief Minister was politicizing the operations.
As the heated debate continued, the proceedings of the National Assembly were adjourned and adjourned until 11 Wednesday (today).
