City Council opposition rejects findings of judicial commission in Gul Plaza fire

Karachi's City Council opposition vehemently rejected the findings of the judicial commission that examined the catastrophic Gul Plaza fire on Monday. Leader of the Opposition, Advocate Saifuddin from the Jamaat-i-Islami, called for an end to Mayor Murtaza Wahab's tenure, demanding criminal negligence proceedings against those responsible and the Sindh government accepting accountability for the tragedy.

The opposition leader criticized the commission's report, claiming it was incomplete and did not assign responsibility to specific officials or outline a clear course of action for those found negligent. The commission's report, however, highlighted failures within several government institutions, including the Sindh Building Control Authority, KMC, Fire Brigade, Civil Defence, Rescue 1122, and the district administration.

Saifuddin questioned why the commission did not hold any individual accountable and demanded criminal proceedings. He pointed to the fire department's poor response and the late arrival of water at the scene, as well as the Electrical Inspector's failure to inspect the building. Civil Defence and the deputy commissioner were also blamed for their negligence, with the SBCA being described as a crucial institution whose regulatory shortfalls led to multiple disasters in Karachi.

The opposition party further criticized the government's response, noting that Mayor Wahab arrived at the site 23 hours after the incident, pointing to a lack of coordination and equipment among the institutions.