KARACHI: Police have submitted the investigation report and challan in the Gul Plaza fire case, concluding that the blaze which killed 72 people was accidental and resulted from negligence rather than sabotage.
According to the investigation report, the Punjab Forensic Science Agency found no traces of explosive material at the site, ruling out the possibility of a deliberate attack.
Police have nominated six suspects, including shopkeeper Naimatullah, his 11-year-old son Huzaifa, Gul Plaza Committee President Tanveer Pasta, Vice President Ammar Ismail, General Secretary Mohammad Amin and Joint Secretary Mohammad Ramzan. All six have been declared absconders.
The report states that the fire originated in Shop No. 193, owned by Naimatullah, who allegedly left the premises under the supervision of his minor son. Investigators concluded that Huzaifa accidentally ignited artificial flowers after lighting and throwing matchsticks, triggering the blaze. Both father and son have been held responsible for negligence.
The investigation also attributes significant responsibility to the Gul Plaza market administration, accusing it of failing to immediately alert emergency services and delaying the opening of the building’s main gates, which hampered evacuation efforts and trapped occupants inside.
According to the report, the market committee also instructed K-Electric to disconnect power during the incident, plunging the building into darkness and further complicating rescue efforts.
Investigators additionally held the market administration responsible for allowing a minor to work in the shop, describing it as a serious failure of oversight.
The report confirmed that 72 people lost their lives in the fire, while the remains of four victims remain unclaimed. Statements from four eyewitnesses recorded under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code have been included as part of the prosecution’s evidence.
Sources said the findings of the judicial commission formed to investigate the tragedy have not been incorporated into the challan submitted to the prosecution.