Karachi: The Gul Plaza Traders’ Union has challenged the official police investigation into the deadly fire at Gul Plaza, raising serious concerns about the handling of the case.
According to Beyond Time News, the union has demanded an independent inquiry, saying the current investigation lacks transparency and fairness.
Dispute over investigation process
The union claims the police investigation has wrongly treated victims as suspects.
It has also accused authorities of mishandling evidence and ignoring key findings from earlier inquiries.
As a result, traders have called for a joint investigation involving police and national security agencies to ensure impartiality.
Karachi markets step up fire safety measures following Gul Plaza fire incident
Deadly fire and heavy losses
The fire broke out on the night of January 17 at Gul Plaza in Karachi.
It continued for more than 32 hours before firefighters brought it under control.
The blaze claimed 72 lives, making it one of the most devastating commercial building fires in the city in recent years.
According to Beyond Time News, the incident caused widespread destruction, leaving the commercial market in ruins.
Legal challenge filed by traders
The petition was filed by Tanveer Pasta and other members of the traders’ association.
They argue that negligence by government departments played a major role in the disaster.
Their counsel further claimed that even minors were wrongly included in the investigation as suspects.
The petition seeks a review of the ongoing probe and demands a fair assessment of responsibility.
Police investigation findings
Karachi police have already submitted a charge sheet in the case.
However, sources say the findings of the judicial commission were not included in the report.
Investigators concluded that the fire was accidental, supported by forensic analysis.
The Punjab Forensic Science Laboratory found no evidence of explosives, ruling out sabotage or blast-related causes.
Names included in charge sheet
Police have named shopkeeper Naeematullah as the main accused.
His 11-year-old son Huzaifa has also been mentioned in the case.
Several members of the Gul Plaza Market Committee, including Tanveer Pasta, Ammar Ismail, Muhammad Ameen, and Muhammad Ramzan, were also named.
Investigators declared all accused as absconders.
Ongoing legal controversy
The case has triggered debate over responsibility and accountability.
Traders insist the investigation is biased and incomplete.
Meanwhile, authorities maintain that the findings are based on forensic evidence and witness statements recorded under legal procedures.
Conclusion
The Gul Plaza fire case remains legally and emotionally sensitive as both traders and investigators present conflicting positions.
While police maintain the fire was accidental, the traders’ union continues to demand a broader and independent inquiry to determine full accountability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Gul Plaza fire case?
It refers to a major fire in Karachi that killed 72 people at Gul Plaza market.
What do traders want?
They are demanding an independent investigation into the incident.
What did police conclude?
Police say the fire was accidental, based on forensic findings.
How long did the fire last?
The fire continued for more than 32 hours before being controlled.
Who has been named in the case?
Shopkeeper Naeematullah, his son, and several market committee members have been named in the charge sheet.
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