14 years on, no justice for six killed in Tahir Plaza arson attack

The Tahir Plaza fire case hearing was held at the Anti-Terrorism Court at the Anti-Terrorism Complex in Karachi Central Jail. On April 9, 2008, six people, including Advocate Altaf Jaffery, were burnt alive in an arson attack at Tahir Plaza off MA Jinnah Road.

The court has ordered the parties to produce witnesses at the next hearing. Saeed Bharam of MQM and others were produced in the court. Due to the inattention of the prosecution, statements of 12 out of 49 prosecution witnesses were recorded so far, after which the court ordered to produce witnesses at the next hearing.

The court adjourned the hearing till April 28. According to police, Saeed Bharam, Imran Saeed and Faisal Javed of MQM have been arrested in the case. Arrested accused Imran Saeed in his statement under section 164 CrPC had confessed to setting Tahir Plaza on fire at the request of Hamad Siddiqui and Saeed Bhara.

Police arrested accused Faisal Javed in 2021 and accused Nadeem Hassan and Wamiq in 2011. The court had released Nadeem Hassan and Wamiq after the eyewitnesses failed to identify them. Accused Abdul Qadir was arrested in 2014 but released on lack of evidence. Twelve suspects are absconding in the case.