Juvenile Case Filed Over Deadly Gul Plaza Fire in Pakistan

A new charge sheet filed in Karachi’s district court brings a juvenile case against an 11‑year‑old boy linked to the January 17 fire at Gul Plaza, which claimed 72 lives and destroyed 1,153 shops. The document accuses six individuals: the minor, his father, the owner of a faux‑flower store, and four committee members who oversee the mall’s operations. The boy’s testimony, recorded by a magistrate, indicates he was playing with matchsticks when the fire broke out. Additional witnesses confirmed that the shop owner frequently left the store unattended, relying on his under‑aged son. The investigation uncovered serious fire‑safety violations – locked or obstructed exits, no fire‑extinguishing equipment, missing hydrant system, and no emergency lighting during a power outage. Moreover, the management committee failed to summon fire‑brigade assistance until after the blaze had fully consumed the structure. The court will hear the boy’s case in a juvenile forum, while the adult suspects are charged with offenses such as reckless arson, involuntary homicide, and joint criminal intent under the Pakistan Penal Code.