The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has declared Rimpa Plaza unsafe following the deadly fire at the nearby Gul Plaza, stating that falling debris from the burned building has caused serious structural damage to the high-rise.
In a notice issued on Tuesday, the SBCA said that rubble from Gul Plaza hit the ramp area of Rimpa Plaza during rescue operations. This impact weakened several support columns, making parts of the building dangerous. The authority warned that the damaged section now poses a serious threat to human life and property. Official notices have been issued to the plaza’s management as well as shop owners.
The decision comes as the death toll from the Gul Plaza fire has risen to 28, while at least 81 people are still reported missing. Rescue teams continue searching through the remains of the shopping centre, which officials have described as Karachi’s worst commercial fire in over a decade.
Use of damaged area stopped
According to the SBCA, a detailed inspection found certain parts of Rimpa Plaza to be structurally unsafe. The authority has ordered the immediate closure of the damaged areas and directed management to stop all use of these sections.
The notice further stated that repair and strengthening work must be carried out strictly under the supervision of a qualified structural engineer and in accordance with existing building laws. The SBCA stressed that no part of the affected structure can be occupied until it is officially declared safe. Failure to follow these instructions, the authority warned, will result in action under the Sindh Building Control Ordinance, 1979.
Rescue operation enters crucial stage
Search and rescue efforts at Gul Plaza are still ongoing as teams move deeper into collapsed sections of the building. Deputy Commissioner South Javed Khoso, during a site visit, said that all recovered belongings of victims are being kept in official custody. He also revealed that two dumpers carrying debris went missing earlier and efforts are underway to locate them.
Fire Officer Zafar Khan said rescue teams have cleared the open basement area and found no bodies there. However, search operations continue in the collapsed basement section, while the second and third floors have already been examined.
Mayor shares latest update
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab visited the site late Tuesday night and said nearly two-thirds of Gul Plaza has been cleared. He told reporters that no additional bodies had been recovered so far and estimated that around 70 percent of the rescue work is complete. He added that debris removal is being carried out carefully, leaving room for possible further recoveries.
Wahab confirmed that reports of 81 missing persons have been received and said the final death count will be announced after the identification process. Earlier, police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed confirmed that 28 bodies were brought to Civil Hospital, while DNA samples from 50 families were collected. Officials said 11 victims have been identified so far.
Citywide fire safety checks
The mayor also announced that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation has launched fire safety inspections across the city. He said authorities have contacted the Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan, asking them to fix fire safety issues within three days, warning that strict action will follow if rules are not followed.
Also Read: Gul Plaza Fire Investigation Begins as Officials Seek Accountability
