Death Toll in Karachi’s Gul Plaza Tragedy Rises Sharply as Final Search Continues

Karachi:Rescue, search and investigation operations are continuing at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road following the devastating fire incident, as authorities fear more bodies may still be trapped under the debris.

According to the **Deputy Commissioner South**, between **55 and 60 fatalities** have so far been confirmed, while **88 people remain missing**. Rescue officials say the total number of deceased has now **exceeded 61**, prompting round-the-clock search and recovery operations, including overnight efforts.

Out of the bodies shifted to **Civil Hospital Karachi**, **15 have been identified**, and **11 have been handed over to their families**. Many of the remains brought to the hospital are in an unrecognizable condition, making identification extremely difficult.

Authorities confirmed that the **only non-Muslim victim**, identified as **Churchill**, has also been recognized and his family informed.

### Disturbing Findings During Search

Administration officials have ordered a **final search operation**, after which the building will be **demolished** to prevent further risks. During today’s operation, evidence was found suggesting that the **roof gate was locked**, possibly preventing several people from escaping the fire.

Speaking to the media, **Gul Plaza Market Chairman Tanveer Pasta** said bodies are still being recovered from the rubble in a severely deteriorated state. He clarified that two debris-filled dumpers, whose delayed arrival had raised concerns, have now been cleared, but the rescue operation is **still not complete**.

Rescue officials revealed that **remains of 20 to 25 people** were found inside a shop on the **mezzanine floor**, where several individuals had reportedly taken shelter during the fire. Many were found huddled together, indicating desperation in their final moments.

Due to the condition of the remains, **DNA testing is now the only option** for identification, deepening the anguish of waiting families.

The **Deputy Commissioner South, Javed Nabi Khoso**, stated that the building **cannot be demolished until the last missing person is accounted for**, as human remains may still be buried under the debris.

### Ongoing Investigation and Structural Concerns

Meanwhile, the **Karachi Commissioner** said that initial findings suggest occupants were aware of the fire but still remained inside the building; however, investigations are ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.

On the sixth day of the tragedy, families of the missing continue to wait outside the ruined structure, torn between hope and fear. One affected woman said she only wants to receive her loved one’s body so the painful wait can finally end.

Separately, the **Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA)** has declared the adjacent **Rampa Plaza unsafe**, stating that its pillars were badly damaged due to third-degree fire at Gul Plaza. Notices have been issued to the plaza’s management and shop owners, and use of hazardous sections has been **strictly prohibited**.

### Records Submitted

As part of the investigation, the SBCA has submitted **complete records of Gul Plaza** to the Karachi Commissioner after four days. The seven-file record includes **three pending court cases** dating back to **1992, 2015, and 2021**, along with documents related to **illegal constructions, revised plans, regularization approvals, and building permissions**.

Officials confirmed that the original files pertain to **Plot No. 32, PR-1, Preedy Quarters, District South**.

Investigations and rescue efforts remain underway as authorities work to uncover the full scale and causes of one of Karachi’s deadliest commercial building disasters.