The Gul Plaza search operation entered its sixth day on Thursday as rescuers worked tirelessly to find 88 people still missing.
A day earlier, the death toll rose to 60 after 30 bodies were recovered from a single crockery shop. The victims had reportedly taken refuge there after a stampede broke out during the fire.
Shop No 144 was identified with the help of a shopkeeper who saw people enter during the incident. The Gul Plaza search operation continues as teams carefully remove debris to reach those trapped.
Officials confirmed that 15 more bodies have been identified. The deceased include Mohammad Shehroz, Misbah, Maryam, Kashif, Aamir, Faraz, Farooq, Farqan, Mohammad Ali, Tanveer, Mohammad Rizwan, Churchill Masih, Sarfraz Noor, Mohammad Saad, and Mohammad Usman.
The fire at Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road has been among Karachi’s deadliest in the past decade.
Gul Plaza Traders’ Association President Tanveer Pasta said most gates were not closed during the fire. He confirmed the emergency ramp and mosque entrance were open. The electricity was cut as a safety measure, which helped some people evacuate safely.
Rescue 1122 officer Muhammad Saleem stated that paths are being cleared under the rubble to find missing individuals. The search is ongoing at multiple locations.
District South Deputy Commissioner Javed Nabi Khoso confirmed that post-mortems of 48 bodies are complete. He said debris removal is temporarily halted due to building collapse risks, and rescuers have re-entered to continue the Gul Plaza search operation.
DNA samples are being collected from bodies and family members to aid identification. Khoso also confirmed an investigation is ongoing to determine why some building gates were closed.
According to CCTV footage, the fire started at 10:07 pm on Saturday, January 17, at the back of the plaza. Flames became visible from MA Jinnah Road by 10:18 pm. It took 11 minutes for the fire to spread to the front. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after 39 hours. For more updates on the tragedy, read Death toll rises, 86 missing as Gul Plaza fire leaves city in mourning to see the latest developments.
The incident has left families of missing individuals in deep anguish. Over the past decade, Karachi has seen many major fires in markets, malls, and factories, causing heavy loss of life and property. Official records show over 2,400 fire incidents in Karachi in 2025 alone.
The Gul Plaza search operation continues with teams working against time to rescue trapped victims and provide closure to affected families.
