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27 Bodies Recovered as Search Continues After Deadly Gul Plaza Fire in Karachi
Rescue teams continue operations at Karachi’s Gul Plaza as the death toll reaches 27, with over 65 people still reported missing after the deadly fire and partial collapse.
ND
by News Desk
2026-01-20
27 Bodies Recovered as Search Continues After Deadly Gul Plaza Fire in Karachi

Rescue personnel on Tuesday continued combing through the wreckage of Gul Plaza in Karachi after a devastating fire, with officials confirming that 27 bodies had been recovered so far, while dozens of people remain missing.

The blaze erupted late Saturday night at the ground-plus-three-storey commercial building located in the city’s Keamari area. Parts of the plaza collapsed due to the intensity of the fire. The building housed around 1,200 shops spread across 8,000 square yards, making rescue operations extremely challenging.

On Tuesday, a large crowd gathered near the site as law enforcement agencies erected temporary barriers to restrict access. Smoke was still visible rising from the debris. Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed confirmed that postmortem examinations of all 27 recovered bodies had been completed.

According to a statement by Keamari police, salvaged merchandise from the rubble was being shifted to the KMC Ground, while a police contingent was deployed to ensure security.

South DIG Syed Asad Raza told Dawn that rescue teams were focusing on the basement of the ill-fated building, adding that the first floor had not yet been fully accessed and no bodies were recovered overnight. He said that cell phone data indicated that 38 out of more than 65 missing persons were last traced to Gul Plaza.

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, who remained present at the site overnight, said the fire had been brought under control through coordinated efforts by the district administration, rescue agencies and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC). He added that debris removal was underway and assured families that all possible assistance would be provided.

“Until all missing persons are found and the rescue operation is completed, all KMC departments will remain on high alert,” Wahab said, adding that heavy machinery had been deployed and would remain at the site until the operation concludes.

Governor meets traders

Separately, Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori met with traders affected by the tragedy and discussed reconstruction and compensation. He said businessman Rafiq Pardesi had offered to rebuild Gul Plaza on a cost-to-cost basis without profit.

The governor welcomed the Sindh government’s announcement of Rs10 million compensation for families of the deceased but stressed the need for strict enforcement of fire safety regulations. He criticised corruption and negligence, stating that money taken to ignore safety measures was “payment for murder, not bribery.”

Tessori also praised the Pakistan Navy, police and welfare organisations for their timely response, while urging authorities to hold all responsible parties accountable.

Condolences from KP

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi conveyed condolences to Sindh CM Murad Ali Shah, expressing solidarity with the victims’ families and the people of Sindh. He said the tragedy was a national loss and pledged support during the difficult time.

Missing persons and inquiry

Mayor Wahab earlier confirmed that 65 people remain missing, though reports suggested the number could be higher. Several bodies recovered are yet to be identified, with DNA testing underway.

The Sindh government has constituted an inquiry committee, headed by Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi, to investigate the causes of the fire and identify negligence. CM Murad Ali Shah has also announced a relief, inquiry and fire-safety reform package to support affected families and shopkeepers.

Rescue operations continue amid fears that the death toll may rise further.
Tagged:

RescueOperation

KarachiFire

KarachiTragedy

GulPlazaFire
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