Karachi
The Commission of Inquiry into the Gul Plaza inferno has highlighted serious institutional failures and administrative shortcomings surrounding the deadly fire that broke out at the shopping centre on M.A. Jinnah Road, Karachi, on January 17, 2026.
According to the inquiry report, the fire broke out at around 10pm at the commercial shopping centre, which covered more than 8,128 square yards. More than 72 people lost their lives after becoming trapped inside the building.
The report noted that most exits and stairways remained locked or blocked as the fire spread rapidly and thick black smoke engulfed the building.
The Commission observed that the rescue response was marked by a lack of clear operational responsibility. The Chief Fire Officer said no one was in operational command of the rescue operation on the night of the tragedy.
The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) stated that firefighting and rescue were the responsibility of Rescue 1122, while Rescue 1122 maintained that firefighting was the responsibility of the KMC Fire Department and that it had only a supporting role.
Civil Defence also pointed towards KMC and Rescue 1122, while stating that certain statutory functions had been delegated to the district administration. The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), meanwhile, disavowed responsibility for ensuring building safety and compliance.
The Electrical Inspector informed the Commission that electrical inspections fell within his department’s responsibility, but such inspections had been suspended by the provincial government two decades earlier.
The Commission concluded that, irrespective of the rights and obligations of the relevant institutions, the evidence presented a situation in which no institution appeared to accept clear responsibility for the tragedy.
The report described the collective failure as a manifestation of administrative apathy and highlighted serious shortcomings in the city’s emergency response and institutional coordination.
The inquiry was constituted by the Government of Sindh to investigate the causes and circumstances of the Gul Plaza fire, examine building approvals and fire-safety arrangements, assess the rescue operation and determine responsibility for acts or omissions before and after the incident.
The Commission conducted its inquiry within the prescribed eight-week period and submitted its report on April 2, 2026.
