The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has called on the Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab to resign in the aftermath of the Gul Plaza shopping mall fire tragedy. The party emphasized the need for accountability and demanded a judicial commission to investigate the incident that resulted in the loss of over 73 lives.
Demand for Accountability and Judicial Probe
At a joint press conference on January 27, 2026, MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar reiterated the party’s insistence on forming a judicial commission to thoroughly examine the circumstances surrounding the deadly blaze. The fire, which started on January 17, took nearly two days to be fully extinguished and caused extensive damage to approximately 1,200 shops.
Security Withdrawal and Political Tensions
Sattar addressed recent reports about the withdrawal of security for MQM-P leaders, which the Sindh provincial government has denied. He described the move as an attempt to divert public attention from the Gul Plaza tragedy. Despite these developments, Sattar affirmed that the party would persist in its demands and seek justice for the victims regardless of any security changes or legal challenges.
Call for Federal Intervention in Karachi
Expressing concerns over the provincial government’s handling of the situation, the MQM-P leader suggested that if the Sindh government is unable to manage Karachi effectively, the city should be handed over to federal authorities. He questioned the provincial government’s ability to guarantee the safety of political leaders and urged a gradual transfer of Karachi’s administration to the Centre.
“Sindh does not need Governor’s rule, but a decision has to be made for Karachi,” Sattar stated, emphasizing the urgency of addressing governance challenges in the city.
