Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori on Friday demanded a judicial inquiry into the Gul Plaza tragedy, which claimed around 60 lives. He criticized the provincial government for slow rescue operations and poor infrastructure in Karachi’s markets. Tessori said he would write to the chief justices of the Sindh High Court and Supreme Court to launch a formal probe.
Relatives of the missing and deceased have voiced frustration over delays at the three-storey plaza. Fires are common in Karachi, but the scale of this blaze was unusual. Governor Tessori highlighted that several children died after falling into open manholes amid the chaos.
Read more: Gul Plaza deaths rise to 60 as 30 bodies recovered from shop
Tessori condemned ongoing political maneuvering a week after the incident. He stressed that no conspiracy to shift blame will succeed and that the responsible parties must be identified and punished. He also called on Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah to personally investigate machinery and administrative failures.
The governor accused the administration of criminal negligence and said the public cannot pay taxes while risking their lives. He cited incidents such as a baton charge on the son of a deceased victim and mothers forced to plead for justice. Tessori warned that he would expose anyone attempting to politicize the tragedy.
Read more: Gul Plaza Incident: A Tragedy That Shook Our Hearts
He added that he would brief Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, saying, “Karachi is waiting for you.” Tessori urged the field marshal to witness firsthand the injustices and ensure accountability for the victims of Gul Plaza.