The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has strongly rejected media reports claiming that official records of Karachi’s Gul Plaza building are missing or unavailable, calling such reports baseless and contrary to facts.
In an official clarification issued after the deadly Gul Plaza fire, the SBCA stated that all approved and legal records related to the commercial building are fully preserved and available with the authority.
The statement comes amid growing public concern and scrutiny following the tragic incident that caused loss of lives and massive financial damage.
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According to the SBCA, Gul Plaza was originally constructed in the late 1970s. A revised building plan was later approved in 1998 under reference number KBCA/KDA/DCB-1/Revised/98-4/98/08 dated September 21, 1998.
The authority further clarified that the building was legally regularised in 2003 under the Regularization Amendment Ordinance 2001, in line with prevailing rules and regulations.
The SBCA also disclosed that a revised No Objection Certificate (NOC) for sale and advertisement was issued in 2005.
READ: Karachi Gul Plaza Fire, Live Updates
Under this approval, the building was permitted to operate a total of 1,102 shops. This included 175 shops in the basement, 355 on the ground floor, 188 on the first floor, 193 on the second floor, and 191 on the third floor.
Addressing concerns about evacuation and safety, the authority said that the approved building plan included multiple staircases and exit routes.
According to official records, the building had two staircases from the basement to the ground floor, six staircases from the ground floor to the first floor, five staircases from the second to the third floor, and 16 exit routes on the ground floor designed for evacuation purposes.
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The SBCA categorically denied any allegation of concealing facts or disappearance of records. It stressed that all legal, technical, and construction-related documents of Gul Plaza are intact and accessible for review.
The authority reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and cooperation with investigators. It stated that a fact-based report will be presented after due examination to determine responsibility and identify any violations, if found.
