Authorities have submitted their investigative findings and formal charges in the Gul Plaza fire case, concluding that the catastrophic blaze, which resulted in 72 fatalities, was accidental. The Punjab Forensic Laboratory found no evidence of explosives at the scene, effectively ruling out sabotage as a cause.
Meanwhile, six individuals have been charged with negligence and dereliction of duty, including a shopkeeper and his 11-year-old son. All accused are currently absconding. Notably, the judicial commission’s report on the incident was not included in the submitted charges.
The suspects named are shopkeeper Naimatullah and his son Huzaifa, along with Gul Plaza Committee President Tanveer Pasta, Vice President Ammar Ismail, General Secretary Mohammad Amin, and Joint Secretary Mohammad Ramzan. The investigation confirmed the tragic death toll of 72, with the remains of four victims still unclaimed.
During the inquiry, statements from four eyewitnesses were recorded under Section 164, forming part of the evidence. The fire was traced back to shop number 193, owned by Naimatullah. Investigators revealed that Naimatullah often left his shop under the supervision of his young son, Huzaifa. The blaze reportedly started when Huzaifa lit matchsticks and threw them, igniting artificial flowers in the shop.
Both Naimatullah and Huzaifa were found responsible for negligence and carelessness. The report also heavily criticized the Gul Plaza market union for multiple failures that exacerbated the disaster. It highlighted the union’s failure to alert emergency services promptly and their delay in opening the main gates, which were completely shut, severely hindering escape efforts.
The closure of the gates was deemed gross negligence by the administration. Additionally, union president Tanveer Pasta contacted K-Electric to cut off the electricity during the fire, plunging the building into darkness and further trapping those inside. The report also condemned the union for allowing a minor to work in the shop, labeling it a serious oversight.
