KARACHI: The rescue and recovery operation at Gul Plaza is ongoing as authorities continue efforts to retrieve possible bodies trapped beneath the rubble, Deputy Commissioner (DC) South Javed Nabi Khoso confirmed on Tuesday. Speaking to the media in Karachi, the DC provided an update on the scale of the tragedy, the challenges faced by rescue teams, and the measures being taken to identify victims and investigate the incident.
According to DC South, the death toll from the Gul Plaza incident is estimated to be between 55 and 60 people. Of these, post-mortem examinations have been completed on 48 bodies, while 86 individuals are still reported missing. The figures underline the magnitude of the disaster and the complexity of the ongoing rescue and recovery operation.
Javed Nabi Khoso explained that efforts to extract possible bodies from beneath the debris are continuing with extreme caution. The use of heavy machinery to remove rubble has been temporarily suspended due to the risk of further structural collapse. He said that rescue personnel have re-entered the damaged building to conduct manual searches, as the use of machinery could destabilize the remaining structure and pose serious danger to both rescuers and any potential survivors or remains still inside.
“The operation is being carried out very carefully,” the DC said. “There is a real risk that the building could collapse further if heavy machinery is used extensively. That is why, at this stage, rescue workers are inside the structure conducting searches by hand wherever possible.”
He added that the entire building is being searched once again to ensure that no area is overlooked. However, certain sections that collapsed under heavy debris cannot currently be searched due to safety concerns. These areas will only be accessed after the rubble has been safely cleared. Once debris removal is completed, rescue teams will resume searching the previously inaccessible collapsed sections.
The DC further stated that DNA sampling is underway to help identify the deceased and reunite remains with their families. DNA samples are being collected from bodies as well as from family members of missing persons. However, he acknowledged that the identification process is challenging in some cases, as certain body parts are severely damaged, making DNA extraction difficult.
“DNA samples are being taken from the bodies and from relatives of the missing individuals,” he said. “In some cases, the condition of the remains makes DNA profiling extremely difficult, but the process is ongoing with the help of forensic experts.”
In addition to rescue and identification efforts, authorities have also launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. DC South revealed that inquiries are being conducted to determine why the building’s doors were reportedly closed at the time of the incident. Statements have been recorded from various individuals as part of the investigation, and officials are working to establish whether negligence or violations of safety regulations played a role.
The incident has also prompted a broader crackdown on fire safety violations across the area. Javed Nabi Khoso said that notices are being issued to buildings that lack proper fire safety arrangements. So far, six buildings have been served notices for failing to meet fire safety standards. Authorities have warned that strict action will be taken against property owners and managements that do not comply with safety regulations.
“This tragedy has highlighted serious shortcomings in fire safety compliance,” the DC said. “Buildings without proper fire safety arrangements are being identified and served notices. The safety of citizens is our top priority, and no compromise will be made in this regard.”
The Gul Plaza incident has sent shockwaves across Karachi, raising serious concerns about building safety, emergency preparedness, and enforcement of regulations in commercial and residential structures. Families of the missing continue to wait anxiously for news, while rescue teams remain on site around the clock despite the risks involved.
Authorities have assured the public that the operation will continue until all possible bodies are recovered and the search is fully completed. They have also reiterated their commitment to ensuring accountability through a thorough investigation and to strengthening safety enforcement to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
