The Judicial Commission investigating the devastating Gul Plaza tragedy has taken a significant step by summoning several ambulance drivers affiliated with prominent rescue organizations. This move aims to gather crucial testimonies from those directly involved in the emergency response following the incident. The commission’s decision highlights the ongoing efforts to uncover the circumstances surrounding the disaster and ensure accountability.
Specifically, the commission has issued formal notices to four ambulance drivers and one additional staff member associated with the Edhi Foundation, one of Pakistan’s largest and most respected humanitarian organizations. These individuals played a critical role in transporting both the deceased and injured victims from the site of the collapse to various medical facilities. Their firsthand accounts are expected to provide valuable insights into the rescue operations carried out during the chaotic aftermath.
In addition to the Edhi personnel, the Judicial Commission has also summoned eighteen ambulance drivers from Chhipa Welfare, another major rescue service provider in Karachi. These drivers were actively involved in ferrying victims to hospitals, often navigating through congested traffic and challenging conditions to save lives. Their testimonies will likely shed light on the efficiency and challenges faced by rescue teams during the emergency response.
All summoned individuals have been instructed to appear before the commission on March 5, marking a critical phase in the investigation. The commission’s inquiry seeks to piece together a comprehensive timeline of events, assess the adequacy of the rescue efforts, and identify any lapses that may have contributed to the tragedy’s scale. This process is crucial for delivering justice and preventing similar incidents in the future.
The Gul Plaza tragedy, which shook Karachi and the nation, has prompted widespread calls for accountability and reforms in building safety and emergency response protocols. The involvement of frontline rescue workers in the investigation underscores the complexity of the case and the importance of their perspectives in understanding the full scope of the disaster. As the commission continues its work, the public awaits detailed findings that could lead to meaningful changes in disaster management practices across the country.
