A deadly fire that tore through Karachi’s Gul Plaza has claimed at least 61 lives, officials confirmed on Tuesday, as rescuers recovered 30 more bodies from the building’s mezzanine floor. The grim discovery has intensified concerns about safety standards in the city’s commercial structures and the challenges facing rescue teams amid extensive damage.
Authorities say search and recovery efforts are still underway, although hopes of finding survivors have now faded.
Also Read: Tragedy at Gul Plaza: 27 Bodies Recovered, 81 Still Missing as Rescue Efforts Continue
30 Bodies Found on Mezzanine Floor
According to DIG South Asad Raza, the latest bodies were found inside a crockery shop on the mezzanine floor. He explained that shopkeepers had earlier alerted authorities about people being trapped on that level.
All 30 bodies were recovered from a single shop, Raza said, adding that debris removal has been temporarily halted so that bodies can be retrieved first.
This decision reflects a shift in operations, from rescue to recovery, as officials now believe no one remains alive inside the building.
Victims Trapped While Trying to Save Themselves
Investigators revealed that when the fire broke out, several people locked themselves inside shops in a desperate attempt to escape the flames and smoke. Mobile phone data later confirmed that the victims’ last known locations were within those closed shops.
Such actions, while understandable in panic, may have tragically worsened their chances of survival due to the intense heat and lack of ventilation.
Shop Owner Recounts Grim Discovery
Salman, the owner of the crockery shop where most bodies were found, said his family and staff were among those trapped.
We ourselves recovered the remains of 14 people from our shop, he said.
Our shop is on the mezzanine floor. At the time of the incident, my cousins and employees were there. Many women and other people were also present.
His words underline the scale of human loss and the emotional toll on families connected to the victims.
Bodies Now Reduced to Remains, Say Doctors
Police Surgeon Dr Samia painted a distressing picture of the condition in which victims are now being recovered.
So far, remains from two shops have been brought to us, she said.
We cannot yet confirm how many individuals these remains belong to.
She added that only remains — rather than intact bodies — have been arriving at the Civil Hospital since Tuesday morning.
The condition of the remains is extremely poor. According to Dr Samia, they include broken bones and shattered teeth, making identification nearly impossible.
Even DNA testing has become difficult.
The bones are too damaged for DNA sampling, she said, which has created serious obstacles in handing over remains to families.
Identification Challenges Persist
So far, authorities have managed to identify three more victims, while 17 bodies remain unidentifiable.
In Pakistan, disasters involving fires and building collapses often pose major identification challenges due to limited forensic infrastructure and the condition of recovered remains. Experts say this tragedy once again highlights the need for improved disaster victim identification systems.
No Evidence of Sabotage So Far
Addressing rumors and speculation, Additional Inspector General of Police Karachi stated that no evidence of sabotage has been found so far.
The investigation is being carried out thoroughly, he said.
Reports about a missing dumper are incorrect.
This clarification aims to counter misinformation spreading on social media, which had raised fears of foul play.
Concerns Over Adjacent Building: Rampa Plaza
The fire also affected a neighboring structure, Rampa Plaza. According to the Karachi Commissioner, parts of Rampa Plaza were damaged, but the building itself is not in immediate danger.
However, the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has declared sections of Rampa Plaza unsafe. Notices have been issued to the building’s management and shop owners, banning the use of hazardous portions of the structure.
This move reflects growing pressure on authorities to take a tougher stance on building safety.
Investigation into Illegal Construction and Court Cases
The investigation into the Gul Plaza tragedy is ongoing. SBCA has submitted seven files to the Commissioner Karachi, who is heading the inquiry committee.
Out of these seven, three files relate to pending court cases and documentation of illegal construction at Gul Plaza.
Karachi has long struggled with violations of building regulations. According to urban planning experts, unauthorized construction and weak enforcement significantly increase the risk of fires and structural failures in commercial buildings.
A City Once Again in Mourning
With at least 61 lives lost, the Gul Plaza fire ranks among Karachi’s deadliest commercial building fires in recent years. The city, home to over 20 million people, has witnessed multiple such tragedies, often followed by promises of reform.
Yet, critics argue that without consistent enforcement and accountability, similar disasters are likely to recur.
As families wait anxiously to identify their loved ones, and investigators sift through rubble and records, the Gul Plaza tragedy stands as a painful reminder of the human cost of neglecting urban safety.
The search operation continues, while Karachi watches – grieving, and demanding answers.
