Death toll in Gul Plaza Karachi fire reaches 73

Citizens-Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) Project In-charge Aamir Hassan on Sunday said that after the identification of more persons, the death toll in the Gul Plaza tragedy had reached 73, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

The identification was completed with the help of DNA tests.

He informed that so far 23 people had been identified.

Earlier, five dead bodies were identified as Mohammad Saad, Misbah Parveen, daughter of Irfan Umar, Maryam, daughter of Noor Ahmad, Nimra and Irfan Umar.

The dead bodies were shifted to Edhi Center mortuary.

The Namaz-e-Janaza of all these dead persons were offered in North Nazimabad area.

The funeral prayers for another victim of the fire, 22-year-old Muhammad Arif Khan, were offered at Farooq Azam Mosque in North Nazimabad.

Earlier, 24News TV channel reported that 71 people had lost their lives, and 82 were missing till the ninth day of the search and rescue operation in Gul Plaza Karachi.
The rescue personnel also found the remains of one man on the third floor of the plaza. Later, these remains were shifted to the Civil Hospital for a DNA test.
Earlier, authorities registered a formal case in Nabi Bakhsh Police Station over the Gul Plaza fire incident, with the government taking the role of complainant. 
The FIR includes clauses relating to negligence and carelessness, though no individuals have been held responsible yet, as the official investigation report has not been received. The case has therefore been registered against “unknown” persons.
Police sources said multiple factors worsened the situation during the incident, including power outages and several locked doors within the building, which hindered evacuation and rescue efforts.
After filing the FIR, the authorities sealed the Gul Plaza premises, pending further investigation. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances leading to the tragedy, while the public awaits clarity on accountability for the loss of lives.
At least 80 percent of the search and rescue operations have been completed, with debris from the demolished sections still being cleared.
The FIR has been registered against unknown persons, citing negligence and carelessness, and has been sealed after registration. Investigators also recovered four DVRs from the site, which are being analyzed for evidence regarding the fire’s cause.
Valuables, including 1.5 kilograms of gold and over Rs100,000 in cash, were recovered and returned to their owners.
Officials report that 10–11 people remain missing, while the total number of missing has been revised to 82 after accounting for duplications and safe returns.

Reporters: Usama Malik and Kawish Memon