The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC) on Monday told a judicial commission probing the Gul Plaza fire how it helped supply water during firefighting operations, detailing emergency steps taken and difficulties crews faced.

According to the report presented to the commission, the utility provided water through seven hydrants during efforts to control the blaze.

The KWSC said it received information about the fire at 11.13pm, after which an emergency was declared at hydrants and water tankers were immediately dispatched to the site.

The report said additional water tankers were requested from other hydrants as the intensity of the fire increased.

Continuous water supply operations began at 11.56pm and were maintained throughout the response.

KWSC officials also informed the commission that the distance to the site, along with traffic congestion and ongoing construction work, created difficulties for emergency crews attempting to reach the location quickly.

The KWSC further stated that the functionality of fire hydrants and water pressure does not fall within its jurisdiction.

It added that before the incident, a letter had been sent to the fire brigade regarding hydrants and water supply arrangements, advising that a water storage tank be constructed and that an application be submitted for a connection.

The KWSC said it cooperates with the fire brigade during emergencies, but noted that it had not yet received a response from the fire department regarding the earlier communication.