The Gul Plaza fire tragedy in Karachi has taken an even more devastating turn as the death toll has risen to 71, while search and rescue operations continue nearly a week after the deadly blaze. Authorities confirmed that around 80 percent of the operation has been completed, with teams now focusing on clearing rubble from the demolished sections of the shopping centre.
Officials stated that at least 20 victims have been identified so far, including 13 bodies confirmed through DNA testing. Due to the severe condition of the remains, the identification process has been described as complex and time-consuming. The official missing persons list currently stands at 82 individuals, with efforts ongoing to determine the identities of those still unaccounted for.
Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Tariq confirmed that 71 bodies and human remains have been recovered from the site. Authorities added that four digital video recorders were retrieved from the debris, which may provide crucial evidence in determining the cause of the fire.
During the debris removal, officials also recovered valuables, including 1.5 kilograms of gold and over Rs100,000 in cash, from a basement shop. These items were returned to their rightful owners, according to authorities.
Addressing the Sindh Assembly, Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah clarified that although 88 people were initially reported missing, one person later returned safely, and five names were duplicated, bringing the confirmed missing count to 82. He stated that 15 individuals remain missing as recovery operations continue.
Meanwhile, Governor Kamran Tessori announced plans to write to the Chief Justices of the Supreme Court and Sindh High Court, demanding a judicial inquiry into the incident. He stressed that those responsible must be identified and punished without delay.
Investigative sources suggested that the fire may have started at a shop selling artificial flowers, though the final cause has not yet been confirmed. The tragedy has sparked widespread criticism of administrative failures, raising serious questions about safety standards and emergency response in commercial buildings.
