The Judicial Commission investigating the catastrophic fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza shopping mall has recently heard testimonies from two shopkeepers who survived the devastating blaze. This inquiry aims to uncover the circumstances that led to the tragic event and evaluate the effectiveness of emergency protocols during the incident. On the night of January 17, a massive fire erupted at the commercial complex located on M.A. Jinnah Road, engulfing the building and trapping numerous individuals inside for more than 32 hours before firefighters could finally bring the flames under control.
The intensity and duration of the fire exposed significant shortcomings in the city’s emergency response system, raising serious questions about preparedness and safety measures in such crowded commercial hubs. Muhammad Junaid, one of the survivors who gave his account to the commission, described the terrifying moments when smoke first appeared. He recalled that around 10:15 pm, while closing his shop on the mezzanine floor, thick smoke began to fill the area. After waiting briefly, he decided to leave the premises around 11:15 pm, accompanied by two others. They managed to exit through a side door near the bathrooms, but Junaid emphasized that the smoke was so dense that no clear exit routes were visible.
Junaid further revealed that he lost consciousness due to the overwhelming smoke and was subsequently transported to a hospital by an Edhi ambulance. He lamented the absence of any official announcements warning occupants about the fire or instructing them to evacuate. Moreover, he criticized both the building management and rescue teams for their apparent lack of effort in aiding those trapped inside. His testimony painted a grim picture of chaos and inadequate emergency communication during the crisis.
Another survivor, Ali Haider, shared his experience, which similarly highlighted the confusion and danger faced by those inside Gul Plaza. Haider noticed smoke on the ground floor while closing his shop and exited immediately through the rear of the building. Upon stepping outside, he observed flames on the mezzanine level but initially returned to his shop around 10:30 pm, finding no fire there—only smoke. However, within ten minutes, the fire spread rapidly to his shop, fueled by flammable items such as suitcases. Haider recounted losing consciousness after two suitcases exploded, engulfing the area in flames. He later regained consciousness in a hospital, unsure who had rescued him.
Haider also pointed out the lack of visible fire tenders or rescue personnel during his escape and the initial stages of the fire. He noted that almost all the doors of Gul Plaza were closed except for one or two, and no announcements were made to alert occupants about the emergency until he lost consciousness. These accounts underscore the critical gaps in both fire safety infrastructure and emergency response coordination within the building.
Earlier sessions of the inquiry saw the appearance of Tanveer Pasta, president of the Gul Plaza Association, who was questioned extensively about the mall’s operational procedures and safety measures. Pasta explained that on regular days, the plaza typically closes between 10:30 pm and 10:45 pm, while on Saturdays, closing time extends slightly to between 10:30 pm and 11:00 pm. He clarified that there was no official mandate enforcing strict closing hours. Regarding the closure of entry and exit points, Pasta stated that doors begin shutting from Gate No. 1 around 10:30 pm, a process that takes about 20 minutes to complete. On Saturdays, gates start closing at 10:45 pm, with the ramp closing last at approximately 11:30 pm.
When questioned about surveillance and monitoring systems, Pasta revealed that some digital video recorders (DVRs) were recovered from the rubble after the building’s collapse. The CCTV cameras were installed in multiple locations, including a security room in the basement, and the system had been recently upgraded to include around 280 cameras throughout the building. He also provided details about the building’s layout, mentioning that main corridors ranged from six to eight feet in width, while mezzanine corridors were approximately ten feet wide. Pasta confirmed that the building housed 1,153 shops, all leased out, although he was not personally involved in the construction of the plaza.
The testimonies and evidence presented so far have highlighted critical issues related to fire safety, emergency preparedness, and building management at Gul Plaza. As the commission continues its inquiry, it aims to identify accountability and recommend measures to prevent such a tragedy from recurring in Karachi’s commercial centers. The incident remains a stark reminder of the urgent need for stringent safety regulations and effective disaster response mechanisms in densely populated urban areas.
