The investigation into the deadly Gul Plaza fire case has been delayed after investigators reported a lack of cooperation from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and the Water Corporation. A Karachi court has now granted additional time to complete the probe.

The devastating fire broke out at Gul Plaza on the night of January 17, claiming dozens of lives and causing widespread destruction. Firefighters battled the blaze for more than 32 hours before it was finally brought under control, making it one of Karachi's most tragic commercial building fires in recent years.

Court extends probe as investigators await statements from key officials

A Karachi court has given Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Amir Warak until August 9 to complete the investigation.

During the hearing, DSP Amir Warak informed the court that statements from officials of the SBCA and the Water Corporation had not yet been recorded, preventing the investigation from reaching its conclusion. He requested more time, which the court approved.

According to sources, officials from both departments are expected to record their statements after Chehlum, allowing investigators to move forward with the remaining stages of the case.

So far, the investigating officer has recorded statements from officials representing six government departments, including the Traffic Police, Fire Brigade, Civil Defence, Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), the Deputy Commissioner South's Office, and Rescue 1122.

Investigators have also questioned several individuals linked to the case, including Tanveer Pasta, Ammar Ismail, Amin, Ramzan, Nematullah, and Hudaifa.

According to investigation sources, particular attention has been focused on Tanveer Pasta, with investigators alleging that he failed to fulfill his responsibilities after the fire erupted.

The investigation claims that instead of immediately informing the Fire Brigade, he contacted K-Electric following the incident, a decision that is being examined as part of the inquiry.

Earlier, the previous investigating officer had nominated six individuals, including Gul Plaza Union President Tanveer Pasta, as accused in the case.

All of the nominated suspects, including Tanveer Pasta, are currently on interim bail while the investigation continues.

Authorities are expected to complete the remaining legal formalities after recording the pending statements, after which the investigation report will be submitted to the court for further proceedings.