Search and Identification Efforts Enter Final Phase
The death toll from the devastating Gul Plaza fire in Karachi has risen to 73, as rescue and search operations approach completion, officials confirmed on Sunday. The tragedy has become Karachi’s deadliest commercial building fire in more than a decade and has shaken the entire city.
The massive blaze erupted on January 17 and rapidly engulfed the multi-storey Gul Plaza shopping mall. The complex was widely known for its 1,200 family-owned shops, selling wedding attire, toys, crockery, and household goods. Thick smoke and intense heat trapped dozens inside, leaving little chance for escape.
Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khosa told media outlets that the search operation is almost complete. He announced that the fire-hit building will be sealed on Monday due to serious structural and safety concerns. Authorities have cordoned off the area and marked it as hazardous.
Khosa revealed that 82 people were initially reported missing after the fire. He urged families still searching for loved ones to contact district authorities immediately. He also shared details of the identification process, saying that 23 victims have been identified through DNA matching, while 13 cases remain pending because families have not yet provided DNA samples.
Officials warned the public to avoid entering the damaged building. The structure remains unstable, and further movement inside could pose serious risks.
Investigation Focuses on Negligence and Safety Failures
Law enforcement agencies have intensified investigations into the causes of the fire and possible negligence. SSP City Arif Aziz said police are continuing to record statements from all concerned parties, including the building administration, security guards, and relevant staff.
He stated that investigators are examining why several doors were reportedly locked and why escape routes were not opened when the fire broke out. Authorities are also reviewing compliance with fire safety regulations and emergency preparedness measures.
Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed confirmed that 73 post-mortem examinations have been completed so far. She added that recovery of human remains from debris is still ongoing. Medical teams remain on standby at Civil Hospital Karachi around the clock to assist with identification and emergency care.
An FIR has been registered at the Nabi Bux Police Station under sections related to negligence and carelessness. The case has been filed against unidentified individuals. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said that the possibility of sabotage or terrorism is also being reviewed. He added that anti-terror provisions will be included if evidence supports such claims.
Government Response and Calls for Federal Inquiry
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori visited the family of one of the victims, Aftab, and announced financial support. He pledged to fund the education of Aftab’s four children and urged authorities to provide direct assistance to all affected families.
The governor stressed that victims’ families should not be forced to navigate complex procedures. He called for dedicated help counters and immediate relief measures. Tessori said accountability must come before politics and demanded answers for the loss of lives.
Meanwhile, MQM-P Chairman Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has written to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, seeking the formation of a federal inquiry commission. The party has proposed including multiple national institutions such as FIA, NAB, NDMA, ISI, MI, Nespak, and SBP.
The MQM-P also called for a relief and rehabilitation fund to support victims’ families and business owners affected by the tragedy. As investigations continue, public pressure is mounting for accountability, reform, and stronger enforcement of fire safety laws.
