Gul Plaza blaze FIR alleges negligence as fatalities mount to 71

KARACHI, January 24, 2026: The death toll from the Gul Plaza fire has reached 71 as rescue teams continue searching the rubble for missing persons. The tragedy, which broke out at a shop selling artificial flowers last Saturday, has left families and the city in shock.

Chief Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed Tariq said that human remains of 71 victims have been recovered. Of these, 20 have been identified—seven through facial recognition and 13 via DNA testing. Authorities have collected 54 family DNA samples to assist with identification. The process has been complicated because many bodies were severely burned.

Officials stated that around 80% of rescue and search operations have been completed. Heavy machinery is being used to clear debris from the demolished parts of the building. Meanwhile, four digital video recorders (DVRs) have been recovered from the rubble and sent for forensic analysis to determine the fire’s cause.

Valuables were also recovered during the cleanup, including 1.5 kilograms of gold and over Rs100,000 in cash from a basement shop. These items were returned to their respective owners.

A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered at the Nabi Bux Police Station under clauses related to negligence and carelessness. The FIR has been sealed after registration, but authorities are pursuing further investigations.

District South Deputy Commissioner Javed Nabi Khoso confirmed that 10–11 people are still missing. Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah told the provincial assembly that 88 people were initially reported missing. After accounting for one person returning safely and duplicate names, 82 remain unaccounted for.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori said he would request a judicial inquiry from the Supreme Court and the Sindh High Court. He stressed that those responsible must be identified and punished. The governor also criticized local authorities for mismanagement, including water tankers stuck in traffic during the emergency, which delayed firefighting efforts.

Investigators are still determining the exact cause of the blaze. Witnesses said children were reportedly playing near the shop when the fire started. Officials continue rescue and identification operations while emphasizing the need for accountability and improved emergency response.