KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has taken serious notice of the deadly fire that broke out at Gul Plaza and has instructed the Karachi Commissioner to launch an immediate investigation into the incident.
A spokesperson for the Sindh government said the commissioner has been tasked with identifying the reasons behind the fire and submitting a comprehensive report at the earliest. The chief minister has also ordered an assessment of the fire prevention and safety measures in place at the affected building.
The spokesperson further stated that Murad Ali Shah has emphasized strict implementation of fire safety regulations and has directed authorities to carry out an urgent fire safety audit of commercial buildings throughout Karachi.
The blaze, classified as a third-degree fire, erupted at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road, claiming at least six lives. Firefighting operations continued for several hours, but the intensity of the flames caused parts of the structure to collapse.
According to rescue officials, the fire started on the ground floor at around 10:15 pm on Saturday and rapidly spread up to the third floor. Among those who lost their lives was a firefighter, while at least 20 others sustained injuries and were taken to nearby hospitals, with several reported to be in critical condition.
