Karachi, January 27, 2026: Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) on Tuesday called on Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to sack Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, and Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon over the deadly Gul Plaza fire that claimed more than 73 lives.
Addressing a joint press conference, MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar reiterated the party’s demand for a judicial commission to investigate the January 17 shopping mall blaze, which took nearly two days to extinguish and affected around 1,200 shops.
Sattar’s remarks came amid reports that security for MQM-P leaders had been withdrawn, a claim denied by the provincial government. He described the move as “an attempt to divert attention” from the tragedy, adding, “This time we will bring justice to the victims of Gul Plaza.”
He further warned that the party would not backtrack on its demand for a judicial commission, regardless of security withdrawal or alleged attempts to register cases against its members. Sattar also criticized the Sindh government’s handling of Karachi, suggesting that the city should be handed over to the federal government if the provincial authorities cannot fulfil their responsibilities.
“Sindh does not need Governor’s rule, but a decision has to be made for Karachi,” he said, calling for a gradual transfer of the city to federal control.
Reacting to MQM-P’s demands, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said he would not resign at the party’s behest. He assured that a judicial commission would be formed if any shortcomings were identified during the investigation and accused MQM-P of staging a “drama,” recalling the party’s past city-wide shutdowns.
Meanwhile, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab noted that Gul Plaza had been regularized in 2003 and presented documents showing that the shopping mall was leased during Sattar’s tenure. He emphasized that the investigation into the tragedy is ongoing and the final report is yet to be released.
