KARACHI: The Sindh government has begun implementing its decision to demolish the charred, structurally damaged Gul Plaza building and has invited bids from interested firms to demolish the fire-ravaged commercial complex.

According to an official announcement, the Sindh Building Control Authority will supervise the demolition process, for which technical and financial proposals have been invited separately.

Interested firms can submit their bids by Nov 20.

The move follows recommendations by a technical committee, which submitted its report in January, declaring the damaged structure unfit for use and recommending its demolition.

Located on M.A. Jinnah Road, Gul Plaza was one of the city’s major commercial centres for decades. Built on an area of 8,128 square yards, the shopping complex housed hundreds of businesses and served as a popular shopping destination.

The building was devastated by a massive fire that broke out in January 2026. The firefighting operation continued for several days before the blaze was finally brought under control.

The tragic incident claimed 72 lives and destroyed more than 1,153 shops, leaving thousands of traders facing massive financial losses.

The scale of the tragedy also raised serious questions about fire safety arrangements, emergency response mechanisms and safety standards in the city’s densely populated commercial buildings.

“Following the incident, a technical committee examined the damaged structure and recommended its demolition, citing the extent of the destruction,” an official said, explaining the reason for the latest move.

Published in Dawn, November 3rd, 2026