Gul Plaza fire: we will not blame short circuits or assumptions — DC South

WEB DESK: Karachi’s Deputy Commissioner South, Javed Nabi Khoso, provided an update on the ongoing rescue and investigation operations at the site of the Gul Plaza fire, warning that the building’s condition remains extremely dangerous.

“The building is in a fragile state, so we are sending rescue teams very carefully. Machinery work has been paused to ensure no further harm occurs,” Khoso said. He added that medical teams are on site and estimates suggest 55 to 60 people may have lost their lives.

Khoso emphasised the ongoing probe into the incident, stating, “Police and relevant departments are investigating the fire from every angle. We do not want to leave any loopholes.” He urged the public to avoid speculation, saying, “Do not rely on what you see on social media. Investigations are thorough, and we are checking everything carefully, including why doors were closed and the possible causes of the fire.”

The DC also clarified reports linking the fire to a short circuit, adding, “We will not attribute the deaths to shortcuts or assumptions; every aspect will be carefully investigated.”

Discussing the recovery process, he said, “We have recovered broken remains, but DNA identification is not always possible. Such bodies are very few, and all have been properly managed.” He noted that about 40 percent of the building has been demolished, while the rest of the debris has already been cleared. “Only the demolished sections remain to be cleared completely.”

Fifty deaths confirmed

At least 50 deaths have now been confirmed in the Gul Plaza tragedy in Karachi, according to Police Surgeon Karachi Dr Sumaiya Syed. She said post-mortem examinations have been completed on 50 bodies and human remains recovered from the debris so far.

Dr Syed added that examination of additional human remains brought in on Tuesday is still underway, while the forensic analysis of remains recovered from the rubble continues at the DNA laboratory. She said the Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory has so far completed the identification of eight bodies, while a total of 15 victims have been identified overall through a combination of conventional and DNA-based methods.

Mayor Karachi gets updates on the tragedy

Meanwhile, Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab visited the Central Police Office on Wednesday, where he reviewed developments related to the Gul Plaza fire. During his visit, the mayor toured the command and control centre to receive a detailed briefing on the incident.

He was informed about the deployment and arrival of fire tenders and snorkels at the scene, and reviewed the emergency response timeline with officials. Speaking to the media, Wahab said it was regrettable that facts were being distorted to mislead the public, stressing that the authorities were committed to transparency.

The mayor said the investigation report into the Gul Plaza incident is being finalised, and will be completed with all facts and evidence placed on record, assuring that accountability would be ensured once the inquiry concludes.