The number of lives lost in the Gul Plaza fire in Karachi has risen to 73, as authorities recovered two more bodies from the debris. Police Surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed confirmed the updated death toll on Sunday.
So far, 23 victims have been identified. Sixteen were confirmed through DNA matching, six through facial recognition, and one through their CNIC. All DNA tests are being conducted at the Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Lab at the University of Karachi.
Among the identified victims are Kashif, Aamir, Faraz, Farooq, Furqan, Mohammad Ali, Tanveer, Mohammad Sharoz, Mohammad Athar, Sarfaraz, Mohammad Hanif, Misbah, Kausar Parveen, Mohammad Saad, Mohammad Ramzan, Mohammad Usman, Mohammad Rizwan, Marium Wafa, Mohammad Arif, Mohammad Shees, Churchill, Mohammad Rafiq, and Abdul Haseeb.
The fire erupted on the night of January 17 at the Gul Plaza mall and took nearly two days to fully extinguish. It destroyed over 1,100 shops and caused widespread devastation. Rescue teams from Rescue 1122 worked tirelessly to recover bodies and clear debris. COO Dr. Abid Jalal Shaikh said the search was in its final phase, with five percent of the basement still under rubble. Forensic experts collected samples during the operation before it resumed.
In a first information report (FIR), Karachi police stated that the Gul Plaza fire was caused by negligence. The case is registered against unknown people.
Funeral prayers were held for several victims in Karachi and Sukkur. Four family members who had visited Gul Plaza for shopping were laid to rest at Eidgah Ground in Delhi Colony. Politicians and residents attended the funerals to pay respects. In Sukkur, the mayor announced a special fund to support the family of Mohammad Athar, who had visited the mall to buy items for Ramazan prayers.
Grieving families continue to search for missing loved ones. Imran Ibrahim’s mother said she visits Gul Plaza daily, hoping to recover her son’s body. Hafiz Arif’s father also expressed frustration over the slow recovery of victims, describing his son’s last words pleading for help during the fire.
Families and residents continue to follow updates on the Gul Plaza fire in our detailed news, Sindh Governor Calls for Full Investigation as Gul Plaza Search Enters 7th Day.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori visited affected families and promised support for victims’ children. He also criticized delays in issuing DNA reports and death certificates. Tessori called for a judicial commission to hold authorities accountable and announced a free fire-safety training program at the Governor’s House.
The Gul Plaza fire remains one of the deadliest incidents in Karachi’s recent history. Authorities continue rescue and relief efforts while families mourn the tragic loss of loved ones.
