Sindh Governor Demands Judicial Inquiry into Gul Plaza Tragedy
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori has made a significant announcement regarding the Gul Plaza fire tragedy, stating that he will formally write to the chief justices of the Sindh High Court and the Supreme Court to demand a comprehensive judicial inquiry into the incident. "This case will not be closed. History will record what happened here," he declared emphatically during a press conference held at the Governor House on Thursday.
Families Seek Answers Amid Political Exploitation
Governor Tessori highlighted that nearly a week after the devastating fire, grieving families are still desperately seeking answers while political point-scoring continues unabated. "The cries and sobs of the victims’ families have not subsided," he said, expressing his solidarity with those affected. "I am standing with the affected families. They are asking what happened, why it happened, and why no one stopped it. People want to know who is responsible."
He criticized the political response to the tragedy, noting that instead of offering relief, various statements are exacerbating the suffering of bereaved families. "The pain and helplessness of these families should shock the conscience of any humane individual. Rather than applying balm to their wounds, some are rubbing salt into them," Tessori remarked, underscoring the insensitivity displayed in the aftermath.
Eyewitness Account and Rescue Efforts
Recounting his personal experience, Governor Tessori revealed that he visited the scene immediately after learning about the fire. "I saw the fire spreading. I reached the site at around 12:55am, travelling through a route affected by ongoing BRT construction," he shared. Upon arrival, he contacted the DIG South and DIG Traffic to alleviate congestion at Gurumandir and facilitate rescue operations.
He praised the coordinated efforts of multiple agencies, including the Army, Navy, Karachi Port Trust, and Rangers, which resulted in the rescue of 22 people from the building. He also mentioned that the Corps Commander was actively monitoring the situation, highlighting the severity of the incident.
Criticism of Negligence and Political Blame Games
Despite the passage of a week, Governor Tessori lamented that the tragedy continues to be politicized. "There is a blame game and conspiracy-building instead of finding solutions. Some people died in the fire, while others have been economically destroyed," he stated, pointing out the broader impact of the disaster.
Calling himself an eyewitness, Tessori criticized what he described as a persistent pattern of negligence in Karachi. "People die in fires, under trailers, or by falling into open drains, and we continue playing politics. Isn’t there any shame?" he questioned, urging for accountability and systemic change.
Administrative Failures and Call for Accountability
Governor Tessori raised serious concerns about administrative failures, questioning why responsibility had not been fixed within the administration. He specifically asked who controls the hydrants and how many of them are operating illegally, pointing to potential regulatory lapses.
He also urged the chief minister to review whether the administration was misleading him and questioned why past fires had not been properly investigated. Additionally, he expressed concerns about the training of firefighters, referencing the death of firefighter Furqan, whose father had also died in the line of duty, to highlight recurring safety issues.
Demand for Judicial Commission
In his concluding remarks, Governor Tessori called for the establishment of a judicial commission under the supervision of the chief justices to determine responsibility for the Gul Plaza tragedy. He emphasized that those engaging in political blame games should also be included in the inquiry to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation.
"The city was tense and emotions were high. I exercised restraint and acted as a responsible citizen," he said, adding that if he wanted to play politics, few could do it better, but his focus remains on justice and accountability for the victims and their families.
