Inferno-hit families recount night of horror

Commission hears harrowing tales of 33 victims of Gul Plaza fire tragedy

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Paramilitary personnel walk past charred remains of the Gul Plaza shopping mall in Karachi on Jan 22, 2026. PHOTO:AFP 

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KARACHI:

The first formal session of the Gul Plaza Commission was held at the DC South Complex, where family members of 33 victims recounted the harrowing events of the fire that claimed lives at the shopping complex. Twenty-three relatives submitted statements, affidavits, and supporting documents to the commission as it began its inquiry.

Justice Agha Faisal, heading the commission, criticised the apparent lack of training and preparedness among institutional officials. Addressing the bereaved families, he said, "You are the heirs of the victims. We wanted the inquiry to begin with you. The purpose of this commission is to ensure that such tragedies do not occur in the future." Families were given the option to have their testimonies recorded by the commission or through representatives, and were urged to inform other affected relatives. The commission will also gather information from government agencies and rescue personnel involved in the operation.

Family members recounted the chaos and helplessness as the fire spread. Saima Imran described her son's last phone call, saying he was suffocating and trapped in thick smoke. "I stayed outside Gul Plaza for nine days with my daughter-in-law, but the institutions did nothing," she said, noting that her son's attempt to escape was hampered by inadequate rescue operations.