Chances of Identifying 40 Victims in Gul Plaza Tragedy Diminish, Only 4–5 DNA Results Expected

**Karachi (Daily Qudrat Karachi):**
In the aftermath of the devastating fire at Gul Plaza, the chances of identifying approximately 40 victims who perished in the blaze have been lost, with only 4–5 DNA samples expected to yield results, authorities said.

According to Express News, twelve days have passed since the tragic incident. Of the six bodies recovered fully from the building, five were identified through DNA testing or personal documents, including one via a national identity card. The fire, which lasted over 33 hours, destroyed the building and left many victims’ remains badly burned. Rescue teams recovered charred body fragments and transported them to hospitals for examination.

Aamir Hasan, head of the CPLS Identification Project, told Express News that the intensity and duration of the fire at Gul Plaza reduced several victims’ bodies, including bones, to ashes, making DNA identification nearly impossible. Only 4–5 samples collected from the remains are expected to yield usable DNA results.

The Police Surgeon Department and CPLS have provided the Deputy Commissioner of South District with anti-mortem data, including victims’ names, evidence of their presence at Gul Plaza, video footage, mobile phone data, locations, clothing, and personal belongings. Recommendations have also been submitted on how to hand over unidentifiable remains to relatives, with the first step being proof of presence of the deceased. If video, location, or phone data confirms the victims’ presence, the remains may be handed to families with witness verification, pending final approval from the district administration and government.

Meanwhile, relatives of the missing held protests in front of the damaged building, expressing grief and frustration. Families said that for 12 days they have been searching for their loved ones, demanding to know when the bodies will be returned. They accused authorities of inaction and said that their peaceful protests were met with police interference.

SSP District City Arif Aziz and Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso visited the site to meet families and assured them that the government is taking steps to return the bodies as the identification process continues.

Separately, affected daily-wage workers from Gul Plaza also staged a protest outside the DC South Office, appealing to the government and philanthropists for assistance, saying they have no one to support them after the tragedy. They highlighted the uncertainty over their future and called for immediate aid to those affected financially by the incident.