Search at Gul Plaza enters fifth day, 60 bodies recovered so far

Authorities to begin debris clearance phase as families await news of missing loved ones

KARACHI:

The search operation at the fire-ravaged Gul Plaza building in Karachi entered its fifth day on Thursday. Rescue teams have completed searches in about 70 per cent of the section partially affected by the fire, recovering a total of 60 bodies so far.

Deputy Commissioner South visited the site Thursday morning to review relief operations. He said the first phase focused on areas of the building that had not collapsed and where the structure was still standing.

“So far, DNA samples of 50 bodies have been obtained, while some bodies have burned to such an extent that extracting DNA from bones has become difficult,” he added.

The second phase of the rescue operation will focus on collapsed debris, using heavy machinery. The Deputy Commissioner said extra caution would be required, as locating human remains, identifying them, and separating them from rubble is a complex and sensitive process. Efforts will be made to carefully recover the bodies and hand them over to their families.

Read: Rescuers discover 30 bodies in single shop in Gul Plaza

Since the incident, families of 80 missing persons have filed reports with the administration.

On instructions from senior officials, police and Rangers have restricted welfare organisations, including the Edhi Foundation and Chhipa, from entering Gul Plaza. The operation is now being managed by the Sindh government-run Rescue 1122, with other welfare groups and the fire brigade working under its supervision.

On Thursday, a group of more than 25 relatives, including women, attempted to enter the building but were stopped by authorities. The group raised slogans against the Pakistan Peoples Party and in support of MQM founder.