Police have declared the Gul Plaza fire in Karachi an accidental incident in their investigation report, while naming several individuals as suspects over alleged negligence that authorities say contributed to the tragedy.
According to the investigation report submitted to the prosecution along with the case challan, forensic findings confirmed that the fire was accidental and no explosive material was detected at the scene. However, investigators concluded that negligence by several individuals and market officials played a role in the heavy loss of life.
The report names shopkeeper Naimatullah and his 11-year-old son, Huzaifa, as suspects. Investigators alleged that the fire originated in Shop No. 193 after the child reportedly lit and discarded matchsticks, which ignited artificial flowers inside the shop. The report further states that Naimatullah was negligent by leaving his young son alone at the shop.
Police also nominated Gul Plaza Market Committee President Tanveer Pasta, Vice President Ammar Ismail, General Secretary Muhammad Amin and Joint Secretary Muhammad Ramzan as suspects. All of the nominated individuals have been declared absconders, according to the report.
Investigators said the market committee failed to prevent child labour, did not immediately alert emergency services after the fire broke out and failed to ensure that the building’s gates were opened in time. The report states that the closed exits made it difficult for people trapped inside the building to escape.
It further alleges that the market committee president instructed K-Electric to disconnect power during the emergency, resulting in darkness inside the building that further complicated rescue efforts.
According to the investigation, 72 people lost their lives in the Gul Plaza fire, while the remains of four victims have yet to be claimed by their families.
Sources said the report of the judicial commission formed to investigate the tragedy has not been included as part of the police challan. The case will proceed through the legal process based on the investigation report submitted by police.