The death toll from the Gul Plaza mall fire in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, has risen to at least 55 people, according to officials. The blaze, which erupted on Saturday night, has left families devastated as rescuers continue to search the wreckage for human remains.
Official Update
Deputy commissioner of Karachi’s south district, Javed Nabi Khoso, confirmed the grim tally on Thursday, noting that 55 bodies have been recovered so far.
Provincial health official Summaiya Syed said more than 50 families have submitted DNA samples to help identify victims.
“We will hand over the bodies (remains) to the family, once DNA samples are matched,” she told journalists outside the Civil Hospital Karachi mortuary.
Families Await Closure
Relatives of those still missing have criticised the slow pace of the recovery operation. Many are desperate for closure.
Faraz Ali, who lost his father and 26-year-old brother in the fire, expressed the anguish shared by many families:
“That is all so that the families may receive something, some comfort, some peace. At least let us see them one last time, in whatever condition they are, so that we may say our final goodbye.”
Rare Scale of Tragedy
While fires are common in Karachi’s markets and factories often blamed on poor infrastructure and lax safety standards a blaze of this magnitude is rare. The three-storey Gul Plaza mall was engulfed quickly, leaving little chance for those inside to escape.
Investigation Underway
A government committee has launched an investigation into the incident, though the cause of the inferno remains unclear. Authorities are expected to examine safety protocols, building standards, and emergency response measures as part of the probe.
Conclusion
The Gul Plaza fire has become one of Karachi’s deadliest urban tragedies in recent years, highlighting the urgent need for improved safety standards in commercial buildings. As families await the identification of their loved ones, the city mourns a devastating loss that has shaken its residents and raised pressing questions about infrastructure and accountability.
