KARACHI: The Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) has submitted an application seeking to become a party in the judicial commission probing the Gul Plaza incident.
Advocate Tariq Mansoor filed the request on behalf of party leader Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, stating that the MQM intends to place crucial facts before the commission that, according to the plea, have not been highlighted by the Sindh government.
The application alleged that during proceedings held on February 19, the Director General of the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) attempted to conceal key details. It further claimed that the government appeared to be trying to cover up negligence related to the matter.
The plea pointed out that the Anti-Corruption Establishment had registered Case No. 56/2005 over alleged irregularities in the construction of Gul Plaza. It stated that the accused included builder Gul Muhammad Khanani, the then DG SBCA, and the Controller of Buildings.
According to the application, bail petitions of the accused were rejected by the court at the time. However, it alleged that the provincial government later withdrew the case, purportedly to protect those involved.
The petition also claimed that an official, Manzoor Kaka, allegedly linked to illegal construction activities, was subsequently appointed as head of the SBCA.
Maintaining that significant material regarding the Gul Plaza tragedy is available, the MQM requested permission to appear before the commission. The party stated that it aims to assist the investigation to help ensure accountability and safeguard citizens’ interests.
