KARACHI: Police have concluded that the deadly Gul Plaza fire, which claimed 72 lives, was the result of an accident caused by negligence, according to an investigation report and challan submitted to the prosecution.
The report states that forensic analysis by the Punjab Forensic Science Agency found no evidence of explosives at the scene, ruling out sabotage or any deliberate attack.
Investigators have nominated six individuals as accused, 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. Police said all six are currently absconding.
According to sources, the findings of the judicial commission on the tragedy were not included in the challan submitted to prosecutors.
The investigation determined that the fire originated from Shop No. 193, owned by Naimatullah. Police alleged that he routinely left the business under the supervision of his young son. The report claims the blaze began after Huzaifa allegedly lit matchsticks and threw them onto artificial flowers stored inside the shop, causing the fire to spread rapidly.
Investigators held both the shopkeeper and his son responsible for negligence, saying their actions directly contributed to the outbreak of the fire.
The report also blamed the Gul Plaza management committee for several failures that worsened the disaster. It said the administration did not promptly inform rescue authorities after the fire started and failed to open the building’s main gates, preventing many occupants from escaping.
Another key finding was that electricity to the building was disconnected during the emergency after Committee President Tanveer Pasta reportedly contacted K-Electric. Investigators said the power outage left the building in darkness, making evacuation more difficult for those trapped inside.
The report further criticised the market administration for allowing a minor to work in the shop, describing it as a serious lapse in oversight and safety compliance.
Police confirmed that 72 people lost their lives in the incident, while the remains of four victims have yet to be identified or claimed. Investigators also recorded statements from four eyewitnesses under Section 164, which have been included as part of the prosecution’s evidence.
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