Gul Plaza tragedy: FIR filed; charges include negligence and lapses

KARACHI: Authorities have registered a formal case in the Gul Plaza incident, with the government taking the role of complainant, police sources confirmed on Saturday. The FIR includes clauses relating to negligence and carelessness, though no individuals have been held responsible yet, as the official investigation report has not been received. The case has therefore been registered against “unknown” persons.

Police sources said multiple factors worsened the situation during the incident, including power outages and several locked doors within the building, which hindered evacuation and rescue efforts.

After filing the FIR, the authorities sealed the Gul Plaza premises, pending further investigation. Investigators continue to examine the circumstances leading to the tragedy, while the public awaits clarity on accountability for the loss of lives.

Death toll surpasses 70 as rescue and investigation continue

The death toll from the Gul Plaza fire in Karachi has risen above 70, with rescuers continuing to sift through rubble in search of the missing. Chief Police Surgeon Dr Sumaiya Syed Tariq confirmed that 71 human remains have been processed, with 20 identified, seven through facial recognition and 13 via DNA. Authorities have collected 54 family DNA samples to assist in the identification of victims, though the process remains challenging due to the severe burns on recovered bodies.

At least 80 percent of the search and rescue operations have been completed, with debris from the demolished sections still being cleared. A first information report (FIR) has been registered against unknown persons citing negligence and carelessness and has been sealed after registration. Investigators also recovered four DVRs from the site, which are being analyzed for evidence regarding the fire’s cause.

Valuables, including 1.5 kilograms of gold and over Rs100,000 in cash, were recovered and returned to their owners. Officials report that 10–11 people remain missing, while the total number of missing has been revised to 82 after accounting for duplications and safe returns.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori has called for a judicial inquiry and stressed that the administration’s mismanagement cannot go unpunished, urging swift identification and accountability for those responsible.