Karachi's Gul Plaza Fire Tragedy: Police File Criminal Case Citing Gross Negligence
Police officials confirmed on Saturday that a criminal case has been formally registered regarding the devastating fire at Karachi's Gul Plaza, with the death toll from the horrific blaze now rising to at least 71 victims. The First Information Report (FIR) specifically cites severe negligence and a complete absence of adequate safety measures as primary factors contributing to the catastrophic incident.
Legal Framework and Investigation Details
According to police documentation, the FIR has been registered under multiple sections of the Pakistan Penal Code, including Sections 322, 337-H(I), 436, and 427. The case has been filed with the government acting as the complainant, while the accused parties remain unnamed as the comprehensive investigation report has not yet been finalized. The FIR explicitly states that gross negligence and carelessness were evident at Gul Plaza, where essential safety protocols were completely lacking.
The official report details that during the fire emergency, the building's lights were switched off, creating immense difficulties for trapped individuals attempting to escape. Furthermore, several exit gates were found to be closed, significantly worsening the already dire situation and hindering rescue efforts. As of now, no individual has been held directly responsible in the ongoing case, with investigations continuing to determine specific liabilities.
Building Safety Assessment and Government Response
Following the registration of the FIR, authorities have taken the precautionary measure of sealing the entire building. Meanwhile, a specialized technical investigation team formed by the Sindh government, comprising structural experts from NED University, has conducted a thorough inspection of Gul Plaza. The team meticulously examined the building's structural integrity, with particular focus on its foundational pillars, to assess overall safety and stability.
Deputy Commissioner South Javed Khoso stated, "The NED University team is conducting a comprehensive review of the building structure. After completing a full assessment, a definitive decision will be made regarding potential demolition requirements." The technical team is expected to submit a detailed report to both the Sindh government and district administration, outlining critical findings including:
- How long the building can remain standing in its current condition
- Whether immediate demolition is necessary for public safety
- If only specific sections of the structure are unsafe and require attention
Rising Death Toll and Recovery Operations
Earlier on Friday, authorities confirmed that the death toll had increased to 71 after rescue teams recovered additional human remains during ongoing search and debris removal operations. Amir Hassan, in-charge of the identification desk at the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC), reported that four bags containing human remains were transported to the hospital overnight. "These remains could potentially belong to four different individuals," he explained, indicating that the death toll had likely reached 71.
The fire, which initially broke out on Saturday night last week, completely destroyed the commercial plaza and left the structure severely compromised. All human remains recovered from the rubble have been transferred to Civil Hospital Karachi for necessary medico-legal procedures and identification processes.
Government Reconstruction Plans and Trader Support
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced on Friday that the damaged plaza would be demolished and completely reconstructed within a two-year timeframe, while affected traders would receive temporary shop facilities within two months. "The plaza will have to be demolished, but we are committed to rebuilding Gul Plaza within two years, reconstructing all shops and returning them to their rightful traders," Shah emphasized during his address to the Sindh Assembly.
The Chief Minister specifically noted that the number of shops would not be increased during reconstruction, and all rebuilding efforts would strictly follow Karachi Building Control Authority-approved plans and regulations. To support displaced traders, the government has identified two commercial buildings containing approximately 850 shops total, whose owners have agreed to waive rental fees for one year. Government efforts are currently underway to extend this rent-free period to two years, facilitating traders' ability to resume their business operations during the reconstruction phase.
