Tessori writes SHC CJ to constitute judicial commission on Gul Plaza incident

Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori has urged the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court to constitute an impartial and transparent judicial inquiry commission to investigate the Karachi’s Gul Plaza tragedy.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, the governor has written a formal letter to the chief justice, recommending the establishment of a judicial inquiry commission to ensure a fair and independent probe into the incident.

Governor Tessori said he stood firmly with the victims of the Gul Plaza tragedy and their families, stressing the need for transparency and accountability.

Karachi commissioner prepares final probe report

It is pertinent to mention that on January 28, 2026, 24NewsHD TV channel reported that the Karachi commissioner had completed the final investigation report into the Gul Plaza tragedy, concluding that the fire was accidentally started by a child at a flower shop on the building’s ground floor, resulting in 79 deaths.

According to sources, the report contains details gathered from victims, eyewitnesses, and rescue officials, along with comprehensive information on the fire's causes and the rescue and firefighting response.

The investigation report was prepared by a committee comprising the Karachi commissioner and the additional inspector general and will be formally presented to the chief minister of Sindh.

Report reveals Gul Plaza fire triggered by child

As per the report, the fire broke out at 10:15 am, while the authorities received information at 10:26 am, and the first fire tender reached Gul Plaza within 11 minutes.

The report states that the first fire tender arrived at the scene at 10:37 am, while the deputy commissioner South reached Gul Plaza at 10:30 am, and Rescue 1122 personnel arrived at 10:53 am.

The report revealed that the fire originated in a flower shop on the ground floor due to the actions of a child and spread rapidly through the building via air-conditioning ducts.

According to the report, the blaze claimed 79 lives, with most of the fatalities occurring on the mezzanine floor of Gul Plaza.

Sindh cabinet approves compensation

It is also worth mentioning that two days earlier, on January 27, 2026, the Sindh cabinet approved a compensation package for the victims of the Gul Plaza tragedy.

Under the decision, the families of those who lost their lives in the incident will be provided Rs10 million each as compensation.

The cabinet also approved interest-free loans of Rs10 million each for shopkeepers affected by the devastating fire.

Reporter: Khursheed Rehmani