The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) Municipal Commissioner has recorded a statement before the Gul Plaza fire inquiry commission, answering questions related to the deadly shopping mall fire on January 17, 2026.
The Commissioner clarified that the KMC’s responsibility is limited to the main road, while the removal of encroachments falls under the Town Municipal Committee Saddar. He added that the Civil Defence Directorate oversees fire audits.
Firefighting and Safety Audits
The Commissioner explained that under the Emergency Rescue Service Act 2023, fire safety audits and rescue operations are the responsibility of Rescue 1122.
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He noted that under the Sindh Local Government Act 2013, firefighting had been KMC’s responsibility, but in 2023, the mandate shifted to Rescue 1122. The council approved this transfer on December 11, 2025.
Despite this, KMC voluntarily conducted fire safety audits of 200 city buildings and submitted the 2024 audit report to the Commissioner.
District Administration and Emergency Response
The Commissioner said the district administration did not take tangible measures following previous fire audits. District committees were formed under the National Disaster Management Act, but effective implementation was lacking.
He also highlighted that traffic congestion on M.A. Jinnah Road, caused by the Green Line construction project, hampered emergency access during the fire.
Gul Plaza Fire: Power Shutdown Blamed for Massive Losses, Says DG Rescue 1122
Following the fire report, KMC deployed cranes, excavators, jackhammers, fire brigade officials, city wardens, and other municipal staff to assist Rescue 1122 in controlling the blaze.
Previous Testimony Highlights Rescue Gaps
In earlier hearings, Wajid Sibghatullah told the judicial commission that shutting down electricity in the mall was a critical error. He stated that timely reporting of the fire to Rescue 1122 could have saved lives.
Gul Plaza Fire Incident
On Saturday night, January 17, 2026, a massive fire broke out at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road. The blaze trapped dozens of people and raged for over 32 hours before being brought under control.
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The incident exposed weaknesses in Karachi’s emergency response system and prompted a judicial inquiry into fire safety management, emergency coordination, and municipal responsibilities.
