Gul Plaza fire: Police hold mall association responsible in charge sheet

Police in Karachi have submitted a charge sheet to court regarding the deadly Gul Plaza fire, naming the shopping mall’s association as primarily responsible for the incident. The fire, which occurred on January 17, killed more than 70 people and destroyed a three-storey building housing nearly 1,200 businesses.

The investigation found no negligence on the part of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, the fire brigade, or civil defence. Instead, the charge sheet highlights alleged negligence by the Gul Plaza administration and significant shortcomings in fire safety arrangements within the building and individual shops.

Forensic reports indicated that no explosive materials or flammable liquids were detected, though residual particles were found in some burnt items. The police have included 87 witnesses in the case, utilizing evidence such as CCTV footage and digital recordings. A previous Commission of Inquiry noted that management was aware of safety deficiencies regarding prevention, detection, and firefighting but failed to implement corrective measures.