The Sindh High Court has informed the provincial government that it may conduct its own inquiry into the Gul Plaza tragedy, following a formal request for a judicial investigation into the incident.
The Sindh High Court, in its response to a letter from the provincial government, highlighted that under the Pakistan Commission of Inquiry Act 2017, the government is empowered to form an inquiry commission independently.
The court noted that the Supreme Court has already established standards for judicial inquiries, and consultation with the Chief Justice is not mandatory if the commission includes a former judge or legal expert.
Background
The Sindh government had formally requested a judicial investigation into the Gul Plaza tragedy, suggesting that a serving judge of the High Court oversee the inquiry.
A sub-committee led by the Chief Minister of Sindh had proposed the judicial inquiry to determine responsibility and administrative negligence behind the incident. The Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court was requested to nominate a judge for this purpose.
The court clarified that while the government may proceed with its inquiry, the composition of a judicial commission can include former judges or legal experts without requiring the Chief Justice’s consultation, ensuring that procedural requirements are met under the 2017 Act.
