The Gul Plaza tragedy has uncovered shocking negligence in Karachi’s construction oversight. Original building plans are missing, illegal approvals were issued, and the owner has vanished without a trace. From unauthorized shops to the city’s only rooftop parking, the revelations expose a web of corruption and mismanagement that may have contributed to the devastating fire.
Here are some key facts about the building plan of Gul Plaza.
❓ The original approval plan of Gul Plaza is not available in records ,An illegal revised plan was issued.
❓ In 2005, a completion certificate was issued without formal approval of the revised plan.
❓ The market, established in 1980, sits on a plot of 8,128 square yards, Plot No. 32, Preedy Quarter, Karachi.
❓ The original owner, Gul Muhammad Khanani, is missing; neither he nor his heirs submitted any application to SBCA.
❓ In 1998, after constructing four floors, builder Rafiq Japanwala applied for revised plan approval, which was not approved, yet the certificate was still issued.
❓ The revised plan was submitted by Qamaruddin and Abdul Haseeb.
❓ According to law, NOCs from land authorities and other agencies are mandatory for construction; Gul Plaza’s revised plan and completion certificate had no NOCs.
❓ At the time of revised plan submission, the South District land lease had expired, yet approval was illegally granted.
❓ Former SBCA officials overlooked illegal construction of extra shops on pathways.
❓ Basement parking was illegally moved to the rooftop — Gul Plaza is the only project in Karachi with rooftop parking.
The flames have reduced Gul Plaza to ashes, but the pain of those who lost their loved ones lingers. Families are left shattered, memories destroyed, and hearts broken. Yet the haunting question remains: Will Gul Plaza vanish into the long list of forgotten tragedies — RIMPA Plaza, Millennium Mall, Arshi Mall, Cooperative Market, Builder Town — or will Karachi finally demand justice, accountability, and safety for its people?
