A court has extends bail for the accused in the Gul Plaza fire case after investigators requested more time to complete the inquiry. The decision came during the latest hearing, where the prosecution informed the court about changes in the investigation team.
The court extends bail for Gul Plaza Market Committee President Tanveer Pasta and several other accused after hearing arguments from both sides. The interim relief will remain in place while the renewed investigation continues.
Among those named in the case are Tanveer Pasta, Vice President Ammar Ismail, General Secretary Muhammad Ameen, Joint Secretary Muhammad Ramzan, 11-year-old Huzaifa, and his father Naimatullah. All have been charge-sheeted in connection with the case.
During the hearing, the prosecution and police requested additional time to complete the investigation. They informed the court that DSP Aamir had recently been appointed as the new investigating officer, requiring more time to review the evidence.
After considering the request, the court extends bail for the accused and allowed the investigation to proceed under the newly appointed officer.
Prosecutor Rana Khaliq also informed the court that the Judicial Magistrate had ordered a fresh investigation into the case. He said the renewed inquiry aims to ensure that all relevant facts are properly examined.
According to the prosecutor, statements of all suspects will be recorded again under Section 161 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Authorities will also obtain fresh statements from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and other relevant institutions.
The fresh investigation will review the available evidence and determine whether additional facts emerge during the inquiry. Officials said all legal procedures will be followed before any conclusions are reached.
The Gul Plaza fire remains one of Karachi’s most tragic incidents in recent years. The massive blaze erupted on the night of January 17 and continued for more than 32 hours before firefighters managed to bring it under control.
The fire claimed dozens of lives and caused extensive damage to the commercial building. The tragedy also raised questions about fire safety measures and building regulations.
Union representatives have argued that negligence by government departments contributed to the destruction of the building. They maintain that the affected traders should not be held solely responsible for the incident.
Earlier, the petitioners requested that the investigation be conducted jointly by police and national security agencies. They argued that a broader inquiry would help ensure transparency and fairness.
According to the petition, the current investigation treated victims of the fire as suspects. The application, filed by Tanveer Pasta and others, also raised concerns over the inclusion of an 11-year-old child among the accused.
The petitioners’ legal counsel further claimed that naming a child as a suspect raised serious legal questions. They have asked the court to review the investigation process and ensure that responsibility is determined fairly.
With the court decision that extends bail, the accused will continue to receive interim legal relief while investigators carry out the fresh inquiry ordered by the Judicial Magistrate. The next hearing is expected after further progress in the investigation.
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