The devastating fire and collapse at Gul Plaza continues to unfold, with rescue officials confirming dozens of fatalities and warning that the final toll could rise further as search operations progress in collapsed sections of the building.
Rescue 1122 Chief Operating Officer Abid Jalal said the rescue operation is facing serious difficulties. He confirmed that teams have completed searches of the mezzanine and first floors of Gul Plaza.
According to Abid Jalal, search efforts from the Rampa Plaza side are particularly challenging. He added that it is hoped the search operation will be completed today, though conditions remain difficult.
So far, 61 bodies have been recovered, according to Rescue 1122.
DNA identification underway
Police Surgeon Dr. Samia said samples of 50 sets of human remains have been collected so far. She confirmed that DNA reports of some victims have started coming in.
Only 15 bodies have been identified so far. Of these, seven bodies were intact and identifiable, one was identified through an identity card, while seven were identified through DNA results.
Dr. Samia said the remaining bodies are in an extremely deteriorated condition due to severe burning. DNA samples have been sent to the Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory, though extracting usable DNA remains a major challenge.
Anthropological data collected
In addition to DNA sampling, authorities have also gathered anthropological data from relatives, including complexion, hair colour, height, and gender, to assist in identification.
Dr. Samia confirmed that DNA samples of 51 relatives have been taken so far to help match the remains.
On the sixth day of the tragedy, women from families of missing persons staged a protest outside Gul Plaza. A large number of women gathered near the burnt building, chanting slogans against the government.
Protesters said it has been six days since their children have been buried under rubble, while mothers and sisters remain in critical emotional condition.
DC South provides latest figures
Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso said that 55 to 60 bodies have been recovered so far, but warned the final death toll could reach around 80 people.
He urged the public not to believe rumours circulating on social media, stressing that the matter is under thorough investigation.
Khoso said the incident cannot be immediately termed an electrical short circuit, adding that blaming it as such would not absolve responsibility. Investigations are also underway into allegations that doors were closed during the fire.
He confirmed that search operations have been completed in the intact and safe portions of the building, while efforts continue in the collapsed areas, where more bodies are likely to be found.
Action, he said, will be taken against anyone found responsible.
Security tightened, access restricted
A heavy contingent of police and Rangers has been deployed around Gul Plaza. Only families of missing persons and relevant authorities are being allowed entry.
The district administration confirmed that electricity supply to Gul Plaza has been completely suspended, and searches are being conducted repeatedly in different sections.
Authorities confirmed that the number of missing persons has reached 88, with 39 of them last known to be present inside Gul Plaza at the time of the incident.
Postmortems of 48 bodies have been completed so far, while search and identification efforts continue.
