Gul Plaza management held primarily responsible for deadly fire

The police have listed 87 witnesses in the case and highlighted shortcomings in the fire safety arrangements at the shopping centre. The charge sheet also points to alleged negligence by the Gul Plaza administration and inadequate safety measures inside the building and individual shops.

Investigators said CCTV footage and other evidence collected during the probe had been made part of the charge sheet. A forensic examination found no explosive material in the items examined and detected no traces of flammable liquid.

However, traces of particles associated with burning were found in some of the material. Management had been aware of safety deficiencies. The police findings come after a judicial commission also held the mall’s management responsible for failing to address known fire safety shortcomings.

A report issued by the Sindh Home Department last month said the shopping centre’s de facto management was aware of deficiencies but did not take corrective measures. The commission found shortcomings in all three key areas of fire safety — prevention, detection and firefighting — and concluded that the building lacked an integrated fire safety system.

Civil Defence inspection reports for 2024 and 2025 had repeatedly identified the absence of essential firefighting facilities, including hydrants, hose reels and fire pumps. The reports also noted that the alarm system was unreliable or non-functional.

The commission further pointed to a lack of trained staff, fire drills and rescue equipment, saying the building was being operated without the minimum capacity required for fire safety.