Summary The prosecution identified several deficiencies in the report, saying police had failed to address concerns
KARACHI (Dunya News) - Prosecutors have returned the police investigation report in the Gul Plaza fire case for a second time, citing incomplete and inadequate investigations, during a hearing at the City Court in Karachi, according to prosecution sources.
The prosecution identified several deficiencies in the report, saying police had failed to address concerns that were highlighted when the initial charge sheet was returned.
According to the sources, the District Investigation Officer (South) has convened a meeting to review the matter.
The prosecution said the report did not include the findings of the judicial commission that investigated the fire. It also failed to examine why the building's emergency exits were locked, who blocked evacuation routes, and how additional shops had allegedly been constructed by subdividing commercial units.
The sources added that investigators should have included officials from the Sindh Building Control Authority, the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and the fire brigade in the inquiry, but did not do so.
According to the prosecution, the four-page charge sheet names six people as suspects, including an 11-year-old boy. The accused include Tanveer Pasta, Huzaifa, Ammar Ismail, Amin, Muhammad Ramzan and Naimatullah. More than 60 witnesses have also been listed in the report.
Prosecution sources said statements from four witnesses, including 11-year-old Huzaifa, had already been recorded before the court. Huzaifa allegedly admitted during his testimony to playing with matchsticks.
The charge sheet identifies Tanveer Pasta as president of the market's union, Ammar Ismail as vice president, Amin as general secretary, Muhammad Ramzan as joint secretary, and Naimatullah as the owner of the shop where the fire was started.
