The devastating blaze that ripped through Gul Plaza in Karachi was largely brought under control on Monday morning, but the tragedy deepened as the death toll climbed to 23 and at least 74 people were still unaccounted for, according to a report.
The fire, which broke out late Saturday night, took nearly 40 hours to contain. Firefighters said the flames have mostly been extinguished, though rescue teams remain on site clearing debris after hearing cries from within the ruins. Authorities fear the weakened multi storey structure could collapse at any moment.
Briefing the media, Deputy Inspector General of Police confirmed that 23 bodies have so far been recovered. He said only six victims have been identified, while the remaining bodies will be confirmed through DNA testing. According to initial data, the last known location of 32 missing persons was inside Gul Plaza, while information on others is still being compiled.
The DIG added that the situation around Gul Plaza and the adjacent Rampa Plaza is now fully under control. All entry points have been sealed and only rescue personnel are allowed inside. No unauthorised person is permitted to enter the building.
Earlier in the day, rescue workers pulled eight more bodies from the rubble, raising the death toll at that point to 18. Among the deceased were a firefighter, a woman and a child. At least 18 critically injured people were shifted to hospitals.
Authorities also released a list of 74 missing individuals, including three women, who have not been traced since the fire erupted. Residents living in flats on the upper floors have begun vacating their homes, fearing the damaged structure may collapse.
Pakistan Army units have joined the operation, alongside civil authorities, firefighters and rescue teams. The Frontier Works Organisation has also been deployed to help clear debris and reach areas made inaccessible by structural damage. Heavy machinery and specialised teams are on site, while an Army engineering unit stands by to assess the building’s stability.
A total of 22 fire tenders and 15 water bowsers from the Pakistan Navy and Rescue 1122 have been involved in the operation.
DIG South Asad Raza reiterated that bodies continue to be recovered as work progresses. He said several remains were badly burned and unrecognisable. Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi confirmed the figures and said dozens of people were present in the building when the fire began. “The building has become totally fragile and the authorities will bring it down, he said.”
Karachi police chief Azad Khan, after visiting the site, told reporters that investigators have found clues suggesting possible links to terrorism.
The fire spread rapidly through shops selling cosmetics, clothing and plastic goods, according to the city’s chief firefighter. While the blaze is nearly out, the search for missing people continues.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said rescue efforts remain under way. Five more bodies were found in the four storey building and its basement, which housed around 1,200 shops. A firefighter lost his life while battling flames on the upper floors. All bodies have been shifted to the Trauma Centre at Civil Hospital.
Television footage showed firefighters working amid thick smoke as parts of the structure collapsed. The cause of the fire is still unknown and remains under investigation.
With limited access now gained, rescue teams have begun cutting windows and breaking walls to reach deeper sections of the building. In total, 22 fire brigade vehicles, 10 water bowsers, four snorkels and 33 ambulances are deployed.
Officials said debris removal is ongoing and that teams have yet to reach the first floor. Police have collected mobile numbers from families of the missing and traced the locations of more than 20 individuals believed to be inside.
Visiting the site on Sunday evening, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said, “Around 58 to 60 people are still missing,” and assured that all affected families would be compensated transparently. Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon and Mayor Murtaza Wahab also visited the scene, urging faster relief efforts. The mayor confirmed that 65 people remain missing.
Gul Plaza was built in 1995 with a basement, ground floor and first floor. Between 1995 and 2003, three more floors were added. Though designed for 500 shops, the complex eventually housed more than 1,200, worsening the danger during the fire.
Adnan, brother of fallen firefighter Furqan, appealed for immediate financial help for the family. He said Furqan was married only a year and a half ago and left behind a six month old child. He added that Furqan slipped while performing his duty and embraced martyrdom.
One grieving father told a TV channel that his 18 year old son Muhammad Shez has been missing for three days. “I have not seen my son’s face in three days. I have been visiting Jinnah Hospital and Burns Centre again and again, but there is no success yet,” he said.
Shopkeepers blamed the shopping centre union and authorities for ignoring safety measures. They said the Civil Defence Department had not visited the building even after the tragedy and accused trade bodies of neglecting basic precautions.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif contacted the Sindh chief minister and offered full assistance. The president directed that all resources be mobilised and praised the bravery of firefighter Farhan Shaukat. The prime minister also expressed condolences and assured complete federal support.