Gul Plaza Blaze: FIR Filed as Karachi Fire Death Toll Reaches 71
Police have registered a criminal case over the Gul Plaza blaze in Karachi. Officials say negligence and missing safety measures caused the deadly fire. As a result, the confirmed death toll has reached at least 71.
Police filed the FIR under several sections of the Pakistan Penal Code. The government registered the case as the complainant. However, investigators have not named suspects yet because the inquiry continues.
The FIR highlights serious safety failures inside the building. For example, authorities found that lights went off during the fire. In addition, several exits remained locked, which blocked escape routes and worsened panic.
FIR Registered and Plaza Sealed
Police officials said the case focuses on negligence and damage to property. So far, no arrests have taken place. Therefore, the FIR lists unknown persons until the investigation report is complete
Authorities sealed Gul Plaza soon after registering the case. Meanwhile, the Sindh government formed a technical committee to inspect the structure. Experts from NED University led the assessment.
The team examined the building’s pillars and overall stability. They aim to decide how long the structure can stand safely. As a result, officials will determine whether full or partial demolition is required.
Deputy Commissioner South Javed Khoso confirmed the review process. He said authorities will act after receiving the final report.
Death Toll Rises and Recovery Efforts Continue
Rescue teams continued debris removal throughout the week. On Friday, they recovered more human remains from the site. Therefore, officials raised the death toll to 71.
CPLC official Amir Hassan said four bags of remains arrived at the hospital overnight. These remains may belong to four individuals. All remains were shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi for legal procedures.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah later addressed the Sindh Assembly. He said authorities would demolish the damaged plaza and rebuild it within two years. In addition, affected traders will receive temporary shops within two months.
