Committee tasked with formulating a comprehensive strategy to implement the commission’s recommendations
View of the site after the fire in the Gul Plaza shopping centre. Photo: PPI
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah on Thursday reviewed a judicial commission’s report on the Gul Plaza fire tragedy and ordered the formation of a high-level ministerial committee to examine the findings and ensure effective implementation of its recommendations.
In mid-January, a devastating fire broke out at Gul Plaza, Karachi, claiming 79 lives and leaving scores missing. According to the Sindh government’s inquiry report, the inferno was sparked by a match in a shop selling artificial flowers.
In a meeting today, the Prime Minister was informed that the fire broke out in Gul Plaza mall on January 17, 2026, following which a Cabinet Sub-Committee was constituted to frame the Terms of Reference (ToRs).
Read more: Gul Plaza fire causes Rs 100 billion loss, 1,000 shops destroyed
The Court of Auditors was subsequently split with the Sindh High Court and a formal notification to a one-member commission of inquiry was issued on 4 February. The commission, headed by Justice Agha Faisal, conducted site visits and hearings from February 16 to March 25 and submitted its report to the Sindh government on April 7.
According to the report, the building lacked an effective fire extinguishing system, proper alarm and communication mechanisms and adequate evacuation arrangements. It also highlighted delays in informing the fire service and noted that preparedness remained significantly below prescribed standards. The report held several stakeholders responsible for the lapses.
In light of the findings, the government set up a high-level implementation committee to oversee the execution of the inquiry report and ensure accountability. Home and Law Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar was appointed as the convener of the committee, while Local Government, Housing and Urban Planning Minister Nasir Hussain Shah and Industries and Commerce Minister Ikramullah Dharejo will serve as members. Additional Chief Secretary Home Iqbal Memon will act as Member/Secretary.
Under the ToRs, the committee has been tasked with formulating a comprehensive strategy for implementing the commission’s recommendations, proposing corrective measures in light of the identified causes and deficiencies, and ensuring effective coordination among all relevant departments. The body will also monitor progress, regularly inform the government of developments and may second experts or relevant officials as needed.
Read also: Fire safety orders ignored despite Gul Plaza tragedy
Speaking on the occasion, the home minister said the government was committed to implement institutional reforms, enforce safety standards and lay down responsibilities to prevent recurrence of such incidents. He warned that no negligence would be tolerated and strict legal action would be taken against those responsible.
He added that the formation of the implementation committee marked a significant step towards ensuring justice for the victims and reflected the government’s resolve to protect citizens’ lives and property in the future.
