The investigation report into the deadly Gul Plaza fire has exposed shocking safety failures, structural violations, and serious delays in emergency response that turned a small incident into a major tragedy.
The findings reveal that negligence by building management and weak preparedness of rescue agencies played a critical role in the disaster.
According to the inquiry report, the fire started when a matchstick ignited artificial flowers inside Shop No. 193 on the ground floor by child.
Investigators said the presence of highly flammable materials caused the fire to spread rapidly within minutes. What began as a minor spark soon turned into a massive blaze, trapping dozens of people inside the building.
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The report said initial firefighting efforts failed due to delayed water supply and inadequate equipment.
Fire brigade teams struggled to control the fire because they lacked proper tools and resources to deal with an intense blaze.
Fire tenders reportedly ran out of water during the operation and had to return to refill, which allowed the fire to grow uncontrollably.
One of the most alarming findings was the absence of basic fire safety systems in Gul Plaza. The building had no fire alarms or sprinkler systems installed.
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Emergency exits were blocked or insufficient, leaving occupants with limited escape options. Thick smoke quickly filled corridors and staircases, trapping many people inside.
The inquiry also highlighted major design flaws in the building. Investigators said Gul Plaza violated fundamental fire safety regulations, and its layout accelerated the spread of flames instead of containing them. Fire safety audits were either ignored or never implemented, despite the risks involved.
Rescue officials revealed that Rescue 1122 received information about the fire at 10:36 am, but the alert itself was delayed after the fire broke out.
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The first emergency unit was dispatched at 10:37 am, yet the response was hampered by limited resources. Narrow entry points, sealed windows, blocked gates, and iron grills made it difficult for rescue teams to reach trapped people.
The absence of cutting tools further delayed operations, while heavy smoke, intense heat, and darkness made rescue efforts extremely dangerous.
The report also noted that the number of shops inside Gul Plaza exceeded the approved building plan. Rescue 1122 described the structure as unsafe and warned that its design contributed directly to the rapid spread of the fire.
Weak crowd control by Karachi police and poor coordination among rescue agencies further complicated the situation, leaving several people stranded on the mezzanine floor for a long time.
The inquiry concluded that negligence by the building’s management was a major cause of the tragedy. It also pointed out that the resources available to handle large-scale fires in the area were insufficient.
