Gul Plaza fire: Police lodge FIR against unknown persons over 'negligence and carelessness’

Police have lodged a first information report (FIR) over the deadly fire at Gul Plaza.

The blaze that broke out late on January 17 at the shopping mall was brought under control after nearly 48 hours. The ground-plus-three-storey building was badly damaged, with parts of the structure collapsing. At least 71 people have been confirmed dead.

The case was registered on behalf of the state through a police official, who described the incident as the result of carelessness and negligence. 

According to the FIR filed at Nabi Bux police station, SHO Inspector Nawaz Ali Zardari stated that police received information about the fire at around 10:30pm on the night of the incident.

The report said that the fire spread quickly and engulfed the entire plaza while firefighters and rescue teams were attempting to contain the flames. It added that the fire started in shop number 193, a flower and gift store located on the ground floor, before spreading throughout the building.

The FIR said that rescue operations were still under way and warned that more fatalities could be discovered. It also pointed to the absence of proper firefighting equipment and said no reasonable emergency arrangements were in place.

According to the report, the plaza lacked emergency exits and the electricity supply had been cut, making evacuation difficult for those trapped inside. As a result, the FIR said, valuable lives were lost and major financial damage was caused.

The case has been registered under Sections 322, 337-H(i), 436 and 427 of the Pakistan Penal Code. No individuals have been named so far, and the FIR has been registered against unidentified persons.