The Sindh Assembly on Monday echoed with debate over the deadly Gul Plaza tragedy, as the government announced its readiness to hold a judicial inquiry while Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) members staged a noisy protest and walked out of the session.

The sitting, presided over by Deputy Speaker Anthony Naveed, began around 45 minutes late. Lawmakers first offered Fateha for those who lost their lives in the incident.

As Opposition Leader Ali Khurshidi sought to speak, an exchange followed over the agenda.

Provincial Minister Saeed Ghani said the government had no objection to discussion on the Gul Plaza tragedy and agreed that all members wishing to speak would be allowed the floor.

However, MQM lawmakers gathered around the rostrum, raised slogans and disrupted proceedings. They later staged a walkout during Saeed Ghani’s speech.

In his address, Saeed Ghani described the Gul Plaza incident as the worst tragedy since the Baldia factory fire, in which 290 people were burnt alive.

He said 70 people had so far been confirmed missing and that the government wanted to provide immediate relief to the affected families. He added that the first fire brigade vehicle had reached the site within 10 to 11 minutes.

Local Government Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah said the incident was no less than a major catastrophe.

He told the House that an agreement had been reached with traders to install fire alarm systems in all markets. He also announced that the government was prepared to conduct a judicial inquiry into the tragedy.

Jamaat-e-Islami MPA Muhammad Farooq and PTI-backed lawmaker Rehan Rajput also addressed the House.

Farooq termed the incident a result of official negligence and said his party had no confidence in a committee led by the Karachi commissioner. He demanded an inquiry under the supervision of a Supreme Court or High Court judge.

The Deputy Speaker later adjourned the Sindh Assembly session until Tuesday at 2.00 p.m.