The Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to form a high-level inquiry commission to investigate the negligence that led to the tragic Gul Plaza incident in Karachi.
Background of the Gul Plaza Incident
The fire broke out on the night of January 17 at the Gul Plaza mall and took nearly two days to be fully extinguished. The disaster resulted in at least 71 deaths and caused extensive damage to over 1,100 shops.
MQM-P’s Call for an Independent Inquiry
During a press conference in Karachi, MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar expressed serious concerns about the Sindh government’s role, as well as that of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and the mayor, in the incident. He urged the formation of an independent judicial inquiry to uncover the truth and hold responsible parties accountable.
Sattar questioned the hesitation and obstruction in establishing such a commission, emphasizing the need to expose any incapacity, mistakes, or negligence involved.
Details of the Proposed Commission
The MQM-P convener Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, in a letter dated January 23 to the Prime Minister, requested a “high-powered, independent, transparent, and impartial commission of inquiry” under the Pakistan Commissions of Inquiry Act 2017. The commission would investigate the incident comprehensively, assign responsibility, and bring to justice all involved parties, especially focusing on alleged criminal professional negligence by Sindh government officials.
The letter also called for the inquiry report to be made public to ensure transparency and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Federal Intervention and Victim Support
The MQM-P urged the federal government to take immediate control of the incident site and coordinate with federal departments and armed forces for search and rescue operations. This would help preserve remains and valuables for proper identification and delivery to victims’ families.
Additionally, Siddiqui requested the establishment of a relief and rehabilitation fund at the federal level to provide financial assistance and support to the victims and their families.
Suggested Members for the Inquiry Commission
- Director Generals of FIA, IB, NDMA, PDMA, and Sindh NAB
- Directors of Military Intelligence and Inter-Services Intelligence
- Joint Director of the State Bank of Pakistan
- Representatives from Pakistan Engineering Council, Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners, and National Engineering Services Pakistan (Nespak)
Allegations of Negligence and Mismanagement
Siddiqui highlighted the scale of alleged criminal negligence, mismanagement, and corruption by Sindh government officials and related departments. He estimated that over 12,000 families were directly affected, with many more impacted indirectly.
Officials named included the local government secretary, Karachi mayor and deputy mayor, KMC and its Fire and Rescue Department, municipal commissioner, Karachi commissioner, Sindh Building Control Authority officials, district administration, and Civil Defence Organisation.
The letter asserted that timely and effective rescue operations could have saved lives, but the fire took approximately three days to control, resulting in numerous deaths and missing persons.
Criticism of Sindh Government’s Response
MQM-P leaders accused the Sindh government of failing to cooperate with victims’ families and called for urgent federal intervention. They argued that fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution were at risk due to the government’s inaction.
Response to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah
Farooq Sattar criticized Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah for allegedly misleading the public and deflecting responsibility. Shah had pointed out that Sattar, as mayor in 2003, had approved regularization of building violations at Gul Plaza. Sattar responded that such regularizations were also carried out by his successor and that the Pakistan Peoples Party has governed Sindh since 2008.
Sattar also condemned the delayed visits by the chief minister and Karachi mayor to the fire site, noting that the chief minister arrived 22 hours after the incident and the mayor after 23 hours. He questioned why the deputy mayor had not visited at all.
He warned that accountability measures would soon tighten around the Sindh government officials responsible, stating, “The people of Karachi would not let you escape so easily.” Sattar concluded with a quote emphasizing that public deception cannot last indefinitely.
