KARACHI: Stressing the need for accountability, Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan on Tuesday urged Pakistan Peoples Party Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari to sack Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab and Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon over the Gul Plaza tragedy.
Addressing a joint press conference, MQM-P leader Farooq Sattar reiterated the party’s demand for the formation of a judicial commission to probe the deadly shopping mall fire that claimed more than 73 lives.
Sattar’s remarks came a day after the alleged withdrawal of security for MQM-P leaders, a claim that was denied by the provincial government. He termed the move an attempt to divert attention from the Gul Plaza tragedy and said the party would ensure justice for the victims.
“This time, we will bring justice to the victims of the Gul Plaza,” Sattar said, adding that MQM-P would not backtrack from its demand for a judicial commission, regardless of whether security was withdrawn or cases were registered against party leaders.
The deadly fire broke out at the shopping mall on January 17 and took nearly two days to be brought under control. At least 73 people lost their lives, while around 1,200 shops were affected.
Criticising the Sindh government, Sattar said that Karachi should be handed over to the Centre if the provincial government was unable to fulfil its responsibilities. He questioned whether the Sindh government could guarantee the security of MQM-P leaders or if they should seek protection from the federal government.
“By doing this, you are sending a message that you cannot take responsibility for us,” he said, addressing the provincial authorities.
He said Sindh did not need governor’s rule, but a clear decision had to be taken for Karachi, adding that the city should gradually be handed over to the federation if the provincial government failed to govern effectively.
Responding to the press conference, Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said he would not resign at the demand of MQM-P. He added that a judicial commission would be formed only if shortcomings were identified during the investigation.
Memon accused MQM-P of staging a “drama”, recalling that the party had in the past shut down the city on the directions of its leadership. He said the final investigation report into the Gul Plaza tragedy had not yet been completed and stressed that the government wanted the probe to reach its logical conclusion.
Separately, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said that Gul Plaza was regularised in 2003, adding that there was documentary evidence showing the shopping mall was leased during the tenure of Farooq Sattar.
