Karachi’s Gul Plaza fire tragedy has entered a critical phase as authorities move closer to completing the search operation at the damaged commercial building on M.A. Jinnah Road.
Officials say rescue efforts are nearing completion, but uncertainty remains as dozens of people are still listed as missing.
Deputy Commissioner Karachi South Javed Nabi Khoso told the media that the search operation at Gul Plaza has reached its final stages.
He confirmed that 67 bodies have so far been recovered from the site, while the official list shows 77 people still missing. The authorities hope to conclude the operation soon, depending on safety conditions and structural stability.
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A team from the Sindh Building Control Authority has been deployed at the site to oversee the operation and ensure safety protocols.
Officials said all rescue and recovery work is being carried out under technical supervision because the building remains structurally unstable even after the fire was brought under control.
So far, 17 bodies recovered from the site have been identified. Authorities have established help desks and DNA collection centres to assist families in identifying victims.
Gul Plaza Fire Live Updates: Death toll reaches 67
Relatives of the missing are coordinating closely with officials, hoping for updates about their loved ones as rescue teams continue their work.
The massive fire broke out late Saturday night on January 17, causing panic and chaos inside the commercial plaza. The incident shocked the city and raised serious questions about building safety, emergency preparedness, and regulatory oversight in Karachi.
Rescue teams, supported by the Army, Rangers, and civil authorities, have been working continuously despite dangerous conditions.
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Engineers are assessing the damaged structure to determine whether further operations can proceed safely. According to officials, the situation remains fluid, and new developments are expected as the final phase of the search operation unfolds.
The tragedy has renewed debate about building regulations and enforcement in Karachi.
Experts say strict monitoring of commercial buildings is essential to prevent such disasters in the future. As the city mourns the victims, families continue to wait for answers, while authorities face growing pressure to ensure accountability and improve safety standards.
