KARACHI: The opposition leader of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) announced on Friday that he will be moving a no-confidence motion against Karachi’s Mayor, Murtaza Wahab. The move comes amid mounting concerns over the local government’s inability to ensure the safety and well-being of Karachi’s residents following a series of tragic incidents across the city.
During a press conference in Karachi, Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Karachi Deputy Emir Saifuddin Advocate criticized the city’s leadership, pointing to the aftermath of the Gul Plaza tragedy that resulted in dozens of deaths and displaced hundreds of families.
He emphasized that the city has been in mourning since that devastating fire, which highlighted the city’s neglect and the failure of authorities to prevent such catastrophes. Saifuddin noted that citizens are increasingly feeling abandoned as incidents such as water tanker accidents, dog attacks, and robberies continue to claim lives.
The opposition leader accused the authorities of being overwhelmed by criminal elements, asserting that mere meetings and discussions do not constitute effective governance. True governance, he argued, would be demonstrated by institutions fulfilling their responsibilities diligently and punctually.
Saifuddin also pointed fingers at Karachi’s Commissioner, Syed Hassan Naqvi, blaming him for negligence, and reiterated earlier criticisms by JI Chief Hafiz Naeemur Rehman about the systemic failures and mismanagement plaguing the city.“We have long maintained that all institutions in Karachi have collapsed, but the government refuses to accept this reality,” he stated. He further alleged that the Sindh government seeks to bring all institutions under its direct control, undermining their independence.
Regarding the recent investigation into the Gul Plaza fire, Saifuddin remarked that the report merely outlined the sequence of events and existing conditions without addressing deeper issues.
Judicial Inquiry into Gul Plaza Fire
Following the tragic blaze that killed 80 people, the Sindh government announced that a judicial commission would investigate the incident. On Thursday, Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon confirmed that the inquiry would be conducted by a judicial panel.
The Sindh government has also approached the Sindh High Court (SHC), requesting the appointment of a sitting judge to head the investigation.
The fire, which was the largest in Karachi in over ten years, broke out on January 17 at Gul Plaza, a bustling shopping complex known for its numerous family-owned stores selling wedding attire, toys, and household goods.
An initial report stated that firefighting efforts began shortly after the fire was reported at 10:26 pm, with fire tenders and water tankers dispatched by 10:29 pm. The investigation continues into the causes and circumstances of the blaze.
