The judicial commission investigating the Gul Plaza tragedy has issued notices to multiple departments and summoned the plaza’s president Tanveer Pasta.

The commission, headed by Justice Agha Faisal, has issued notices to the senior director land, the chief fire officer, the deputy commissioner South, SSP City, the medico-legal officer of Civil Hospital Karachi, and the DIG Traffic.

Notices were also served to the CEO Water Corporation, DG SBCA, DG Rescue 1122, and the CEO K-Electric.

All concerned officials have been directed to appear before the commission on February 18.

The fire broke out at around 10:15 p.m. on January 17 at Gul Plaza located on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi, killing 79 people and leaving 12 critically injured. The blaze was so intense that the identification of several victims through DNA proved difficult.

Following the incident, the Sindh government had formed an investigation committee headed by the Karachi commissioner and the additional IG Karachi. A separate cabinet committee led by Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah was also constituted.

On January 29, the Sindh government wrote to the chief justice of the Sindh High Court seeking a judicial inquiry. Subsequently, on February 4, the court constituted the judicial commission under Justice Agha Faisal.

The commission will submit its findings to the Sindh government, which is expected to determine responsibility and shape action against those found liable.