Gul Plaza Tragedy: Death Toll Climbs to 73 as Search Enters Ninth Day, Investigation Intensifies
Recovery and investigation work at the site of the devastating Gul Plaza tragedy in Karachi entered its ninth day on Sunday, with search teams recovering additional human remains, pushing the confirmed death toll to a grim 73. The massive fire, which broke out on January 17 at the sprawling shopping complex housing over 1,100 shops, took nearly two days to extinguish and stands as the city's deadliest blaze in more than a decade.
Technical Inspection and Ongoing Search Operations
A specialized technical team from Lahore, accompanied by police and district administration officials, conducted a thorough inspection of various sections of the severely damaged shopping complex. This team, which includes forensic experts, meticulously marked areas where searches had been completed and identified several hazardous points with the letter “H”, indicating a high risk of collapse. District South Deputy Commissioner Javed Nabi Khoso stated that while the search operation was expected to conclude on Sunday, the arduous process of debris removal would continue for some time.
According to Rescue 1122, 82 individuals were initially reported missing in the aftermath of the fire. As of now, 10 to 11 people remain unaccounted for, underscoring the ongoing urgency of the recovery efforts.
DNA Identification and Forensic Efforts
Forensic identification of victims has progressed steadily, with another victim, Abdul Haseeb, recently identified through DNA analysis, as confirmed by Amir Hassan, In-Charge of the Citizens Police Liaison Committee Identification Project. To date, 23 victims have been formally identified, including 16 through advanced DNA testing. Two more bodies were recovered late on Saturday night and promptly shifted to Civil Hospital for profiling and further examination.
Police Surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed reported that post-mortem examinations of at least 73 bodies have been completed. She added that DNA testing is being diligently carried out at the Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Lab at the University of Karachi, with medical teams remaining on standby at Civil Hospital to assist families and process remains.
Criminal Case and Structural Assessment
In a significant legal development, a criminal case has been registered at Nabi Bux Police Station under Sections 322, 337-H(1), 436, and 427 of the Pakistan Penal Code, citing negligence and carelessness. The First Information Report (FIR) was filed against unidentified persons, alleging that no adequate safety measures were in place at Gul Plaza. The FIR further details that several gates were found closed and lights were switched off during the fire, severely hampering escape efforts and contributing to the high casualty count. Following the registration of the FIR, authorities have sealed the building to preserve evidence and ensure public safety.
A separate technical investigation team, formed by the Sindh government and comprising experts from NED University, has inspected the structure, with particular focus on its pillars. This assessment aims to determine whether the building requires complete demolition or partial closure based on structural integrity findings.
Political and Administrative Responses
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar remarked that sabotage or terrorism could not be ruled out at this stage, and anti-terror provisions would be added to the case if concrete evidence emerges. Meanwhile, MQM-P Chairman Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has written to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, urging the formation of a federal inquiry commission and the creation of a dedicated relief and rehabilitation fund for affected families.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori has also called for a judicial inquiry into the incident and emphasized the need for authorities to expedite DNA reports and death certificates to provide closure and support to grieving families during this difficult time.
