Gul Plaza Fire Case: Lawyer Claims Sindh Government Secured Rs5.77 Billion Compensation for Victims
Karachi: Proceedings in the Gul Plaza fire case continued as the defense counsel informed the court that the Sindh government had facilitated compensation of Rs5.77 billion for the victims through businessman Tanveer Pasta.
During the hearing, the defense lawyer said victims remained trapped inside the building for hours after the fire broke out. He alleged that firefighters arrived late and that the water in the fire brigade’s vehicle was exhausted within 10 minutes, contributing to the heavy loss of life.
The prosecution submitted a three-page charge sheet, while the state prosecutor criticized then Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan, describing him as incompetent. The prosecutor alleged that personnel operating the snorkel rescue equipment lacked the necessary training.
The investigating officer told the court that, according to the Civil Defence Department, the fire brigade’s fire extinguishers and fireballs had expired at the time of the incident.
The court questioned who would be held accountable if the allegations regarding expired equipment were true.
The defense further argued that the fire brigade responded only after receiving a call from the Gul Plaza Union and claimed the police investigation had overlooked the role of rescue agencies. The lawyer alleged that rescue officials and the deputy commissioner remained at the scene without taking adequate action, despite the possibility of saving more lives.
The court remarked that if the investigating officer maintained there had been no criminal negligence by any institution, the circumstances described appeared to suggest otherwise.
The devastating fire at Gul Plaza Shopping Mall on Karachi’s M.A. Jinnah Road resulted in the collapse of the building. According to the report, the blaze remained uncontrolled for more than 33 hours, leaving 86 people dead and destroying over 1,200 shops.
The allegations regarding negligence were made during court proceedings and remain subject to judicial determination.
