ISLAMABAD, Jan 23 (ABC): In a joint sitting on Friday, parliamentarians from both houses adopted a resolution expressing solidarity with the victims of Karachi’s Gul Plaza fire and calling on the Sindh government to carry out comprehensive reforms to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The joint session, convened by President Asif Ali Zardari and chaired by National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, discussed the aftermath of the blaze that erupted at Gul Plaza last week, claiming at least 67 lives. The affected commercial complex, a ground-plus-three structure with around 1,200 shops spread over 8,000 square yards, partially collapsed following the fire.
Through the resolution, parliament conveyed condolences to the bereaved families, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured, and paid tribute to firefighter Furqan Ali, who lost his life while battling the inferno. It also noted reported administrative and safety lapses that turned an accident into a large-scale tragedy.
Lawmakers urged the Sindh government to ensure compensation for the families of the deceased and immediate relief for businesses affected by the incident. The resolution further called for an urgent, citywide fire-risk audit of all commercial and residential buildings, alongside an increase in the number of fire stations and availability of firefighting equipment.
The federal government was also asked to extend all necessary support to the Sindh administration in addressing the crisis. Parliament pledged unanimous solidarity with the people of Karachi and stressed that lasting corrective measures must be taken so that the loss of lives at Gul Plaza does not go in vain.
Addressing the joint sitting, PPP Senator Sherry Rehman backed the resolution, describing the incident as deeply distressing, particularly for families waiting to recover the bodies of their loved ones. She highlighted the need to align resources with population requirements and cautioned against politicising the tragedy.
Responding to calls by MQM-P for handing Karachi over to the federal government, she said criticism was a democratic right but urged political actors not to aggravate the situation. She appealed to all parties to focus on rescue and recovery efforts rather than engaging in political point-scoring.
During the session, parliament also passed three bills: the Daanish Schools Authority Bill 2025, the Human Rights (Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Domestic Violence (Prevention and Protection) Bill 2025. President Zardari had earlier returned these bills despite their approval by both the National Assembly and the Senate. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said allied parties had been taken into confidence ahead of the joint sitting.
The proceedings were briefly disrupted when opposition members, led by NA Opposition Leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai and Senate Opposition Leader Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, staged a protest in front of the speaker’s dais. The session was later adjourned for an indefinite period.
Separately, JUI-F Senator Kamran Murtaza submitted an adjournment motion in the Senate seeking a debate on Pakistan’s decision to join US President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” without parliamentary or cabinet approval. He argued that the move contradicted democratic norms and constitutional principles.
In another development, opposition leader Mehmood Khan Achakzai condemned the arrest of activist-lawyer Imaan Zainab Mazari-Hazir and her husband Hadi Ali Chattha in Islamabad, terming it a violation of constitutional rights. He called for their immediate release and demanded a transparent and impartial investigation, warning that such actions erode public trust in state institutions.
Parliament urges Sindh to overhaul fire safety after deadly Gul Plaza blaze
