11-year-old, five others granted bail in Gul Plaza inferno case

Defense counsel argues how come a minor be nominated in same challan

KARACHI:

Additional District and Sessions Judge South Aslam Sheikh on Monday granted bail to six accused, including Gul Plaza Association President Tanveer Pasta and an 11-year-old boy, Huzaifa, in the Gul Plaza tragedy case.

The court heard bail applications of Tanveer Pasta, 11-year-old Huzaifa and 4 others.

Defense counsel argued that the accused were nominated in the challan, after which they approached the court. "How can a minor be nominated in the same challan? As per the standard operating procedures (SOP), K-Electric is asked to shut off electricity. At the time of the incident around 3,500 people were present in Gul Plaza. The union's finance secretary died in Gul Plaza while saving people," the lawyer said.

He further argued that Civil Defense, KDA, SBCA and other institutions were not questioned. "All institutions are trying to save their officials. 72 people lost their lives and the case was wrapped up in half a page. No responsibility was placed on any civil institution by police."

The judge remarked that police had already shown leniency by not arresting them. "The charge sheet was rejected twice. The same objections were maintained and the challan was submitted again. This is not the court for a minor. There is a separate court for juveniles." The defense said Tanveer Pasta was accused of not getting the power shut off. "These days everyone has a mobile and torch."

When the court asked about Naimatullah, the counsel said he was Huzaifa's father. The court noted that Section 322 had been applied and the diyat amount would be very high.

The lawyer contended that the victims were being made accused while the administration was being saved. The court approved bail for Tanveer Pasta and four other accused against surety bonds of Rs500,000 each. Bail for minor Huzaifa was granted against Rs10,000 surety. Other accused granted bail include Gul Plaza Association Vice President Ammar Ismail, Joint Secretary Muhammad Ramzan, Muhammad Amin and Naimatullah.