At least 71 people have died in the devastating fire at Karachi's Gul Plaza with financial losses estimated at up to Rs15 billion, officials and traders said on Friday.
Rescue teams are still searching through debris as families wait for their loved ones to be identified. The fire erupted on Jan 17 at Gul Plaza, a crowded commercial centre in the heart of Karachi that contained more than 1,200 shops. The blaze raged for over 24 hours before it brought the commercial building down, killing all those trapped inside.
Karachi, a city of over 20 million people, has frequently suffered deadly fires due to congested markets, outdated infrastructure, illegal construction and poor enforcement of safety regulations. Authorities said, however, that a fire of this magnitude is uncommon.
Chief Police Surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed said 71 people's remains had been recovered so far, with only 20 positively identified. She noted that identification has been slowed by the condition of the bodies, many of which were recovered in fragments, complicating DNA analysis and extending the anguish of families awaiting confirmation.
Tanveer Pasta, president of the Gul Plaza Market Association, said every shop in the complex was destroyed, estimating losses at up to Rs15 billion. He added that several major importers operated from the plaza and that 31 shipping containers had been unloaded there just days before the fire.
Relatives of dozens of missing individuals have continued to gather near the site and at hospitals even after submitting DNA samples, with some voicing frustration over delays in recovery and identification efforts.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said the city administration remains focused on rescue operations and on returning victims’ remains to their families as quickly as possible. His comments followed visits to the homes of several victims, according to an official statement.
Earlier this week, the Sindh provincial government announced compensation of Rs10 million ($35,720) for the family of each victim and said affected shopkeepers would also receive financial assistance.
The cause of the fire has yet to be officially confirmed. Police have said initial findings suggest a possible electrical short circuit, though officials emphasized that final conclusions will be made only after a full investigation.