Gul Plaza Fire Was Accidental, Police Investigation Concludes as Six Face Negligence Charges

Final Investigation into Karachi’s Deadly Gul Plaza Tragedy Points to Negligence, Not Sabotage

KARACHI – Police have officially completed their investigation into one of Karachi’s deadliest commercial building fires, concluding that the Gul Plaza blaze was an accidental incident caused by negligence rather than any deliberate act.

The investigation report and challan have now been submitted to the prosecution, marking a significant development in the long-running case that claimed 72 lives and shocked the nation.

Forensic Analysis Finds No Evidence of Explosives

According to the investigation, forensic experts from the Punjab Forensic Science Agency thoroughly examined the fire scene and found no traces of explosive materials. Their findings ruled out the possibility of sabotage, confirming that the fire was not the result of a planned attack.

The forensic report became one of the key pieces of evidence supporting the police’s conclusion that the tragedy resulted from preventable safety failures.

Fire Reportedly Started Inside a Shop

Investigators traced the origin of the blaze to Shop No. 193, owned by shopkeeper Naimatullah.

According to the police report, the shop was allegedly being looked after by his 11-year-old son, Huzaifa, at the time of the incident. Investigators believe the child accidentally ignited artificial flowers after playing with matchsticks, causing the flames to spread rapidly through the building.

Police have described the incident as a tragic example of negligence and have held both the shop owner and his son responsible for failing to maintain basic safety precautions.

Six Individuals Named in the Case

The investigation names six people as accused, including the shop owner and several office-bearers of the Gul Plaza market committee.

Police allege that serious lapses in safety management and emergency response significantly increased the number of casualties. All six nominated suspects have reportedly been declared absconders as legal proceedings continue.

Market Administration Also Under Scrutiny

The report places considerable responsibility on the building’s market administration, accusing it of failing to respond effectively after the fire broke out.

Investigators stated that emergency services were not informed immediately, while the building’s main gates allegedly remained closed during the incident, making it difficult for people trapped inside to escape safely.

The report further claims that electricity to the building was disconnected during the fire, leaving many victims in complete darkness and reducing their chances of finding exit routes.

Authorities also criticised the market administration for allowing a minor child to work inside the commercial premises, calling it another serious lapse in oversight.

Witness Statements Support Investigation

During the inquiry, investigators recorded statements from four eyewitnesses under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Their testimonies, along with forensic findings and other evidence, were included in the final challan submitted to the prosecution.

Officials also confirmed that the remains of four victims have still not been claimed.

A Tragedy That Changed Karachi

The Gul Plaza fire remains one of Pakistan’s worst commercial building disasters. The latest investigation shifts the focus toward accountability, workplace safety, child labour concerns, and emergency preparedness.

The case also serves as a reminder of the importance of enforcing fire safety regulations in markets and commercial buildings to help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

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Source:

Geo News, Police Investigation Report, Punjab Forensic Science Agency.