ISLAMABAD: The deadly Gul Plaza fire in Karachi, which claimed at least 26 lives and left 81 people missing, echoed in the National Assembly on Tuesday as lawmakers called for stronger local governance to prevent similar tragedies.
Read More: Karachi rescue teams clear Gul Plaza basement after deadly fire
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said the lack of fire-extinguishing systems highlights the need for mechanisms at the local level to address such issues. He added that while there was consensus on adopting an effective local government system, political wrangling had stalled constitutional amendments.
قومی اسمبلی کے اجلاس کے دوران رکن قومی اسمبلی سید امین الحق کا کراچی کے گل پلازہ میں آتشزدگی کے افسوسناک واقعے پر اظہار خیال#NASession @SyedAminulHaque pic.twitter.com/lSL7LLJkwD
— National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) January 20, 2026
“The 18th Amendment has proven to be a hoax as all powers have been transferred to the provincial government,” Asif said. He urged meaningful amendments to implement an empowered local body system and a uniform curriculum across the country.
During the NA Session, Mirza Ikhtiar Baig, MNA, introduced the Bill further to amend the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 (Act XLV of 1860), and the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898 (Act V of 1898) [The Criminal Law (Amendment) Bill, 2026] (sections 174B and174C).#NASession… pic.twitter.com/cilhtRGC7o
— National Assembly 🇵🇰 (@NAofPakistan) January 20, 2026
MQM-P MNA Farooq Sattar proposed declaring the Gul Plaza incident a national tragedy, stressing Karachi’s longstanding contribution of 65% of national revenue over 75 years. Sattar also called for the formation of an investigation committee and the operationalisation of the Department of Civil Defence, underlining that empowered local governments are essential for cities nationwide.
PPP MNA Syeda Shehla Raza, however, said it was not the right time to “drag” the 18th Amendment, noting that Sindh is currently the only province with a functioning local government system. She stressed that the priority should be the timely arrival of rescue teams rather than the presence of ministers at the site.
Raza acknowledged mismanagement in Karachi, revealing that 24 of the 26 gates at Gul Plaza were closed during the fire. She provided context on the building’s history, explaining that it was constructed in 1980 with 180 shops in the basement and 405 on the ground floor, and that a 1998 decision added shops in the parking area and corridors.
Read More: Holy Quran copies found unharmed as Gul Plaza mosque escapes
The National Assembly discussion reflected widespread concern over urban safety, fire management, and the need for strengthened local governance to prevent future tragedies.