The fire-hit Gul Plaza building in Karachi has been officially handed over to the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), authorities confirmed. The SBCA will decide whether to demolish the structure or take other measures.
Officials stated that all operational work at the site was halted yesterday. Meanwhile, search operations for missing persons continue under strict supervision due to the building’s unstable condition. Rescue teams are working carefully alongside engineers assessing structural safety.
Police Surgeon Dr. Samia Syed confirmed that some victims of the Gul Plaza fire remain unidentified. Families of missing persons continue to coordinate with authorities at DNA collection centres. The latest reports indicate that the death toll from the disaster has risen to 74.
A positive DNA result has been received from the Sindh Forensic DNA Laboratory, but no matching reference samples have yet been submitted. Authorities are urging families of the missing to provide samples to help identify the victims.
The deadly fire erupted on the night of Saturday, January 17, engulfing the commercial hub on M.A. Jinnah Road. Dozens of people were trapped inside before the blaze was brought under control after more than 32 hours.
The incident exposed weaknesses in the city’s emergency response system, highlighting the need for better disaster preparedness. Despite this, search operations have been ongoing, supported by the Army, Rangers, and civil authorities, as teams continue to locate missing individuals.
Authorities have stressed caution at the site, as the building remains fragile. Only trained personnel are allowed to enter, and all efforts are being made to safely recover any remaining victims.
Families have expressed concerns about the long process of identification, while rescue teams continue search operations meticulously. DNA collection and verification remain key to providing closure to victims’ families.
The SBCA will soon announce the next steps regarding the damaged building, while authorities and rescue workers maintain their focus on completing the search and ensuring public safety.
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