Talks that are surrounding the probe into the #GulPlazaFire are merely misleading.
The tragic event that occurred at Gul Plaza in #Karachi on January 17 resulted in a significant loss of life.
Only those who lost loved ones can fully grasp the magnitude of this sorrow.
Throughout Pakistan's history, spanning from 1947 to January 17, 2026, after numerous major incidents characterized by blasts, attacks, assassinations, acts of terrorism, or arson, we are often informed that a committee will be formed to investigate and share its conclusions soon.
However, in the span of Pakistan's 78 years, has there ever been a single public disclosure of an investigative report following any tragedy?
Consider the circumstances surrounding the illness of Pakistan's Founder, Quaid-e Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Despite the availability of leading hospitals in urban centers, he was taken to the secluded area of Ziarat in Balochistan.
Was there ever a public report regarding this decision?
Additionally, during the critical transfer of Quaid-e Azam from Ziarat to a medical facility, why was an ambulance dispatched without enough fuel, leading to it breaking down en route?
Has any investigation shed light on this situation?In a notable incident in Rawalpindi, Liaquat Ali Khan was assassinated while addressing a large crowd.
Was any investigation report made available to the public?
Across Pakistan, thousands have perished or sustained injuries from bomb blasts and suicide attacks targeting mosques, imambargahs, shrines, and places of worship belonging to non-Muslims.
Has any investigative report been made public concerning even one of these incidents
Furthermore, have we ever seen investigative reports released regarding assaults and bombings at military sites and airbases, including significant locations like the GHQ, MI, and ISI offices?
I have repeatedly emphasized that the fire at Gul Plaza was no accident; it was intentionally ignited. Some experts have even suggested that a chemical agent was used to spread the blaze rapidly throughout the structure, drawing parallels to earlier incidents.
Past reports from the horrific violence in Karachi's Qasba and Aligarh Colonies on December 14, 1986 indicate that attackers employed a powder that ignited on contact with homes, resulting in immediate fires.
A similar tactic was observed in the Baldia factory tragedy.
Following the incident at RJ Mall on Rashid Minhas Road in Karachi on March 25, 2023, widespread protests began to take place.
In reaction, the Mayor of Karachi,
, affiliated with the Pakistan People's Party, mandated a comprehensive examination of fire safety protocols across all city structures, announcing that operations would cease for any building without an adequate fire safety system.
Under the Mayor's instruction, inspections were performed on 266 commercial establishments in Karachi which uncovered that 235 of those lacked any form of fire safety measures.
In 2024, this information was relayed to the Chief Minister of Sindh; however, until the tragic events at Gul Plaza on January 17, 2026, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had not reviewed the findings.
This raises questions about the accountability for evaluating and enforcing the fire safety report.
What caused the Sindh government and Karachi's Mayor to neglect their responsibilities in this matter?
It is unfortunate that instead of owning up to their deficiencies and severe negligence, the Sindh Chief Minister, his cabinet members, and party officials are shifting blame elsewhere, linking the Baldia Town disaster to the #GulPlazaTragedy instead.
Today, I reiterate my demand to the Government of Pakistan for the formation of a judicial commission tasked with thoroughly investigating the Baldia Town factory fire.
All stakeholders, including the factory proprietors, supervisors, security personnel, and relevant officials, must be compelled to testify regarding the origins of the fire and any potential perpetrator behind it. Furthermore, representatives from the German company that provided equipment to the Baldia factory should also be summoned.
The truth must emerge and these proceedings ought to be conducted transparently in a public forum, with live coverage by national media.
I assert clearly that if I am given complete authority for a six-month period and supported by dedicated officers from ISI and MI for this investigation,
I will carry out a thorough and unbiased inquiry into the Baldia Town incident.
If evidence emerges implicating my own brother or any MQM leader in wrongdoing,
I will advocate for their execution in accordance with the law, regardless of personal affiliations.
Additionally, it perplexes me that rather than pursuing a fair investigation into the #GulPlazaTragedy and pinpointing those at fault, a smear campaign is being launched against me.
I ask, "Was Altaf Hussain responsible for the assassination of Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi?Did he instigate the Ojhri Camp disaster? Was he a factor in General Zia Ul Haque’s plane crash? Did he orchestrate bombing incidents in mosques, imambargahs, and commercial areas? When the topic of Karachi's rights arises, it often becomes clouded with ethnic tensions, sparking a flurry of accusations."
This city has served as the economic engine of Pakistan, yet since 1947, it has faced bias and open aggression. The very place that supports the entire nation is being choked. Violence and chaos erupt here, alongside numerous military actions aimed at silencing its citizens. #Karachi has been left without support, a reality that deeply troubles Altaf Hussain.
I ask, "Was Altaf Hussain responsible for the assassination of Benazir Bhutto in Rawalpindi?Did he instigate the Ojhri Camp disaster? Was he a factor in General Zia Ul Haque’s plane crash? Did he orchestrate bombing incidents in mosques, imambargahs, and commercial areas? When the topic of Karachi's rights arises, it often becomes clouded with ethnic tensions, sparking a flurry of accusations."
This city has served as the economic engine of Pakistan, yet since 1947, it has faced bias and open aggression. The very place that supports the entire nation is being choked. Violence and chaos erupt here, alongside numerous military actions aimed at silencing its citizens. Karachi has been left without support, a reality that deeply troubles Altaf Hussain.
Instead of addressing the violence against our community, I still find myself questioned about my comments regarding people acquiring weapons.
I pose a question that if armed intruders target your home or neighborhood, and no one is there to defend you, what actions would you take to safeguard your family?
I support the notion, just as I have in the past, that every individual has the inherent right to defend themselves.
The Constitution of Pakistan, along with international laws established by the
, affirms this right.
Furthermore, Islam advocates for self-protection.
Even now, I urge the public, particularly the neglected residents of Karachi, to recognize that it is your right to safeguard your life, your family, your possessions, and your dignity.
Therefore, pursue weapon licenses and arm yourselves for self-defense. If you wish to live with respect and honor, proactive measures for your protection are essential. In the face of an attack against your life, possessions, or dignity, you must assert your right to self-defense.
Altaf Hussain.
London.
381st address via TikTok on January 23, 2026.
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