Grim Toll Mounts as Gul Plaza Fire Survivors Searched for in Debris
The devastating inferno that engulfed Pakistan’s Gul Plaza has claimed more lives, with the discovery of two additional bodies pushing the confirmed death toll to 73. The tragic incident, which began on the night of January 17th, has left a scar on Karachi, not only through the loss of life but also by reducing over 1,100 shops to ashes. Even more than a week later, the arduous task of sifting through the charred remains of the structure continues in a desperate search for any remaining victims.
Identification Efforts Underway Amidst Ongoing Recovery
Authorities have confirmed that 23 of the deceased individuals have been successfully identified. This identification process has relied on a combination of methods, including 16 DNA matches, six facial recognition identifications, and one case where the victim was identified via their national identity card (CNIC). The critical DNA analysis is being conducted at the Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Lab, located at the University of Karachi, ensuring a rigorous scientific approach to confirming identities.
Investigation Intensifies as Technical Teams Arrive
The scale of the disaster has prompted a multi-agency response, with a specialized technical team from Lahore arriving in Karachi to aid in the investigation. Accompanied by police and district administration officials, these forensic experts are meticulously examining various sections of the Gul Plaza. The urban search team has begun marking areas where the search process has been completed. Notably, the marking of “H” at different points signifies potential danger and the risk of structural collapse, a stark reminder of the ongoing hazards at the site.
Official Statements and Cautions on Speculation
District South Deputy Commissioner Javed Nabi Khoso stated that while the search and recovery operations were slated for completion on the day of his comments, the removal of debris from the building site would persist. He confirmed that human remains recovered during the night had been sent for DNA testing. A formal case has been registered concerning the incident, and investigations are actively proceeding. However, Mr. Khoso urged caution against premature speculation, emphasizing that definitive conclusions would only be possible once the investigations are concluded.
Concerns of Sabotage and Calls for Inquiry
The gravity of the situation has also led to the registration of a First Information Report (FIR) at the Nabi Bux Police Station, with charges relating to negligence and carelessness. This FIR has been registered against unidentified individuals and has been sealed. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar acknowledged that there are concerns regarding possible sabotage or terrorism, though he stressed that the matter remains unclear. He indicated that anti-terror provisions would be added to the FIR should compelling evidence emerge.
In parallel, political calls for a comprehensive inquiry are growing. Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, Chairman of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P), has formally requested Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to establish a Gul Plaza tragedy inquiry commission under the federal government. The MQM-P, a constituent of the current ruling coalition, has proposed the inclusion of several key federal agencies in this commission, including the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), National Accountability Bureau (NAB), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Military Intelligence (MI), Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), National Engineering Services (Nespak), and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
Furthermore, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori announced his intention to dispatch letters to the Chief Justices of the Supreme Court and the Sindh High Court, urging them to initiate an independent inquiry into the fire incident. Governor Tessori emphatically stated, “Those responsible should be identified and punished without delay.” This multifaceted approach, combining ongoing recovery efforts, detailed technical investigations, and high-level calls for accountability, underscores the profound impact of the Gul Plaza tragedy.
