Karachi, Feb. 19 -- New disclosures before the judicial commission investigating the Gul Plaza inferno have exposed alarming lapses in emergency preparedness and coordination, raising serious questions about institutional accountability.

The inquiry, led by Justice Agha Faisal, is examining the conduct of rescue services, firefighting units and municipal authorities during the catastrophe, as reported by The Express Tribune.

According to The Express Tribune, Chief Fire Officer Muhammad Humayun Khan testified that the commercial building lacked basic safety mechanisms, including functional emergency lighting and clearly marked exit routes.

Blocked passageways and the absence of illuminated signs left occupants stranded in darkness and p...