Karachi, Pakistan – In a recent development, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry formed to investigate the tragic Gl Plaza fire in Karachi has issued a questionnaire to the Director General of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA). The commission’s meeting, led by Justice Agha Faisal, was attended by Deputy Commissioner South, Police Surgeon Dr. Sammia, DG SBCA, CEO Water Corporation, and President of the Gl Plaza Association, Tanveer Pasha.
Justice Agha Faisal expressed disappointment over Tanveer Pasha’s absence, but he eventually attended the meeting. The CEO of Water Corporation informed the commission that an emergency situation was in place for all hydrants, and the nearest hydrant was 14 kilometers away. He stated that 15 hydrants provided water to fire tenders for 6 hours daily, while a 10-lakh-gallon water tank was present at the Fire Brigade Headquarter.
The commission asked about the amount of water used in the first two hours, and the CEO replied that 20,000 gallons of water were used per hour. Based on this, the commission estimated that 40,000 gallons of water were used in the first two hours. Justice Agha Faisal remarked that there should not be a shortage of water for 24 hours.
Senior Director Land MC informed the commission that a 99-year lease was granted to the East India Company in 1884. Justice Agha Faisal asked if the registry of the property implies ownership and what law governs the lease. He also directed the notice to the Municipal Commissioner, who was summoned for the next meeting.
Tanveer Pasha informed the commission that a basement parking was banned in 2003, and a rooftop parking was built. He stated that there were 1153 shops in the building, and shopkeepers paid a monthly maintenance fee of Rs. 1500. At the time of the fire, six security personnel were present, but five of the 40 volunteers were martyred. Tanveer Pasha added that there were 280 cameras installed in the building, and a recording system was present in the basement, but the office records were destroyed in the fire.
The DG SBCA informed the commission that the building plan was approved in 1979, and an extension was granted in 1991. The revised plan was approved in 1998, which included the construction of 150 irregular shops. The building was regularized in 2003 under government policy. Justice Agha Faisal observed that the SBCA claims that they cannot act until a complaint is filed, but another incident occurred today, resulting in the deaths of 16 people.
The commission demanded answers to 47 questions from the SBCA and asked for complete records. The Police Surgeon Dr. Sammia informed the commission that eight injured individuals were initially taken to the hospital, and six identifiable bodies were brought to the hospital on Sunday morning. There were 66 unrecognizable bodies left, and DNA tests identified 20 bodies, while the remaining were not recoverable.
The Police Surgeon added that DNA can be destroyed in 4-5 hours in high temperatures and that the primary cause of death was asphyxiation. Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso informed the commission that immediate action was taken after the fire, and 20-30 minutes later, several individuals were rescued. The building had six to eight open doors, and more doors were opened. However, rescue personnel could not enter due to the intensity of the fire.
The commission deferred the meeting until Monday and directed a notice to be issued to the Municipal Commissioner. The Speaker of the Sindh Assembly announced that the law will be followed, and MPAs Usman and Rana Shakoor will be suspended until they apologize. The Speaker stated that Usman was a former PSP member and received threats from Iqbal Mohsud. Rana Shakoor claimed that he was threatened by Iqbal Mohsud and that he is associated with the Khald Mubarak group.
