SBCA records expose safety violations at Gul Plaza

Gul Plaza, a major commercial centre on MA Jinnah Road, was once one of Karachi’s busiest shopping and wholesale hubs, attracting thousands of visitors daily. On January 17, a devastating fire engulfed the building, reducing it to ashes within hours.

The exact cause of the blaze is still under investigation, but official documents have revealed serious building violations, raising concerns about safety compliance and evacuation failures.

Records obtained by The Express Tribune from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) show that the number of shops constructed in Gul Plaza far exceeded those approved in the original building plan. Some shops were built on corridors and designated exit routes, potentially obstructing emergency evacuation.

Read More: Death toll in Gul Plaza blaze rises to 26 as rescue work continues

According to an SBCA official, Gul Plaza was originally constructed in the 1980s. An additional floor was added in 1998, during which shops were built in the designated parking area, and the rooftop was converted into a parking facility. The extra floor was later regularised in 2003, and the building owner obtained a completion certificate on April 14, 2003.

SBCA Director South Kishan Chand said that as per the approved plan, Gul Plaza was permitted to have three floors, including a basement, with approval for 1,021 shops. However, documents indicate that around 1,200 shops were built.

“The records further show that shops were constructed in walkways and exit passages, violating approved designs,” Chand stated. “These illegal constructions may have contributed to people being unable to escape during the fire.” Chand added that the final determination on the causes of the fire, the delay in controlling it, and the evacuation failures will be made after the inquiry team completes its investigation.

Also Read: Outcry over Gul Plaza tragedy as traders, opposition demand relief

The massive fire broke out late Saturday night, rapidly spreading from the basement and ground floor to the upper levels of the building. It burned for more than 36 hours, causing portions of the structure to collapse and leaving the building critically unstable.

Rescue and firefighting operations continued through Sunday and Monday, with teams battling intense heat, heavy smoke, and falling debris while searching for trapped victims.

Karachi has witnessed multiple fire incidents in recent months, including blazes at industrial and warehouse sites, causing extensive financial losses but no fatalities.

Fires broke out in Mawach Goth, Manghopir’s Northern Bypass area, and the SITE Super Highway Industrial Zone, prompting large-scale firefighting operations involving multiple fire tenders and rescue teams as authorities battled strong winds, flammable materials, and access challenges.