Gul Plaza fire probe confirms origin, report to CM Sindh

The Gul Plaza fire probe has concluded that the deadly blaze in Karachi originated from a ground-floor flower shop and spread rapidly through the building’s air-conditioning system, according to officials familiar with the final investigation report. The document, which examines the causes and response to the incident that claimed 79 lives, is set to be submitted to Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

Investigation Findings and Emergency Response

The inquiry was conducted by a committee led by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hasan Naqvi and Additional Inspector General Javed Alam Odho. Investigators found that the fire broke out at around 10:15pm inside a flower shop located on the ground floor. At the time, children were reportedly present in the shop.

Due to the presence of interconnected AC ducts, the flames and smoke spread quickly to upper levels. Most casualties occurred on the mezzanine floor, where people were trapped by thick smoke and heat. Fire Brigade officials received the first alert at 10:26pm, and the initial fire tender reached the site at 10:37pm. District administration and rescue teams arrived in stages, with Rescue 1122 joining the operation shortly before 11:00pm.

Forensic Review and Public Reaction

Alongside the main report, a joint forensic investigation is underway involving Sindh Police experts and Punjab’s Urban Search and Rescue team. Using advanced fire analysis technology, samples were collected from preserved sections of the building to determine ignition sources and contributing factors.

A technical team from Lahore also inspected the plaza, marking hazardous zones due to structural risks. Meanwhile, the tragedy has reignited public debate over safety enforcement and accountability, with survivors and citizens recalling past deadly fires in Karachi and questioning why lessons remain unimplemented.

Authorities say the final report aims to fix responsibility and recommend measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.