Governor Sindh seeks judicial inquiry into Gul Plaza inferno as search operation enters 7th day

KARACHI, Friday, January 23, 2026: Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori has demanded a judicial inquiry into the deadly Gul Plaza fire as the search operation entered its seventh day, with the death toll rising to 67 and 77 people still missing.

Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Governor Tessori said he will write formal letters to the Chief Justice of Pakistan and the Chief Justice of Sindh High Court, asking for an independent investigation into the tragedy.

He said those responsible must be identified and punished without delay.

Governor Blames Sindh Government for Negligence

The governor strongly criticised the Sindh government and said the provincial administration cannot escape responsibility for the incident. He questioned why senior officials were not present at the site during the critical hours.

Governor Tessori also pointed out that water tankers were stuck in traffic near Guru Mandir, which delayed firefighting efforts.

“People pay taxes and expect protection. Instead, they face poor management and delays. Such tragedies will continue unless accountability is enforced,” he said.

Death Toll Rises to 67, 77 Still Missing

Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso confirmed that 67 bodies have been recovered so far, while 77 people are still unaccounted for.

He said the search operation is now in its final phase and is expected to conclude soon, although the unstable structure is slowing progress.

DNA Testing Used for Identification

Police Surgeon Dr Samia Syed said post-mortem examinations of all 67 bodies have been completed.

She confirmed that:

• 6 bodies were identified visually

• 8 were identified through DNA testing

• 1 body was identified using a CNIC card

• 1 was identified through a locket

The remaining bodies are being identified using forensic and DNA analysis.

Fire Broke Out Again During Operation

Senior Fire Officer Zafar Khan said a fire reignited in the basement during the rescue operation after a diesel tank caught fire while being removed from the roof.

He said the building is now extremely weak, and rescuers are mostly recovering bones and human remains instead of full bodies.

Probe Rules Out Short Circuit

Preliminary investigation has ruled out short circuit as the cause of the fire.

Investigators believe the blaze started inside a flower shop, where children were reportedly playing with matches or a lighter.

The fire first caught the stored goods and then spread to the electrical wiring. Panic broke out when people rushed towards exits but found several doors closed. A grill installed on the rooftop also blocked escape routes.

The building’s CCTV system was completely destroyed in the fire.

Families Still Waiting for Closure

More than 50 families have submitted DNA samples at Civil Hospital Karachi in hopes of identifying their missing relatives.

Many families have criticised the slow pace of recovery and demanded stronger action against building owners and authorities.

The Gul Plaza fire is now considered one of the deadliest commercial building fires in Karachi’s history.