The deadly Gul Plaza tragedy has triggered a sharp political confrontation in Sindh, with MQM Pakistan demanding Karachi be handed over to the federation, and the Sindh government accusing its rivals of exploiting a national tragedy for political gain.

Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal delivered a thunderous press conference in Karachi on Thursday. He said Karachi has been destroyed and demanded that the city be placed under federal control according to the Constitution.

He strongly criticised the 18th Amendment, calling it a “drama” that must end immediately. He claimed Karachiites were being “genocided” under the powers granted through the amendment.

He said terrorism is being carried out in the name of democracy and questioned why the state had “handed Karachi over” to the Sindh government. He alleged that the city was left at the mercy of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which he said had been given a “free pass.”

“If we complain to the Sindh government, we are taunted with references to the Baldia factory and bodies in sacks,” the minister said, asking how much more blood would be shed before MQM’s patriotism stops being questioned.

MQM denies past allegations

Mustafa Kamal rejected accusations historically levelled against MQM, asking whether his party had hijacked planes or raised slogans to divide the country. He questioned why the prime minister, despite claiming concern for Karachi, had failed to deliver meaningful change.

He demanded the immediate abolition of the 18th Amendment, arguing that tragedies like Gul Plaza would not stop unless Karachi was removed from provincial control.

Sindh govt hits back: ‘Political point-scoring’

Sindh Information Minister Sharjeel Memon strongly condemned Mustafa Kamal’s remarks. He said certain political elements were trying to score points on the Gul Plaza tragedy.

He questioned whether Mustafa Kamal had even visited Gul Plaza and said old videos of Kamal were played during the news conference to highlight his past positions.

Memon accused MQM-linked elements of past violence, referencing the Baldia factory fire and the May 12 killings, alleging selective targeting and extortion-related violence.

“These words do not suit those who once hunted people leaving the airport,” he said, adding that when bodies were found in sacks, humanity was never remembered.

Defence of PPP’s past, rejection of MQM

The minister said PPP had always shown a “big heart,” noting that between 2008 and 2013 there was not a single political prisoner. He said PPP leaders themselves had faced imprisonment under various governments.

He clarified that the president’s visit to Nine Zero in the past was aimed only at ending politics of chaos, not endorsing violence.

Memon confirmed that forensic investigations into the Gul Plaza tragedy are ongoing, including probes into possible sabotage. He said no aspect of the incident was being ignored and urged the public to wait for the final report.

“Even if my own name appears in the report, I will not forgive it,” he said.

Compensation and relief

The Sindh government announced it will compensate 1,200 affected shopkeepers of Gul Plaza. Sharjeel Memon said the chamber of commerce would assess losses through an organised mechanism, and compensation would be distributed honestly.

Families of victims will be given Rs10 million each, he said, adding that no amount can replace a human life. A firefighter was also martyred in the incident, and the government shares the grief equally.

Memon said rescue operations are still underway and DNA tests are being conducted to identify victims. Authorities have been informed of 86 missing persons, and the administration is working day and night to locate them.

He stressed that the Sindh government stands with the bereaved families and will not abandon them during this difficult time.

Calling Gul Plaza a deeply tragic incident, Sharjeel Memon said every Pakistani is grieving the loss of precious lives.

“This sorrow is not only for the affected families, it is for all of us,” he said. He reiterated that efforts are underway to implement fire safety SOPs to prevent such tragedies in the future, despite resistance whenever laws are enforced.