Death toll at Gul Plaza hits 73 as search operation concludes

KARACHI: The rescue and search operation at Gul Plaza concluded on its ninth day, with authorities recovering two more bodies from the debris, bringing the death toll to 73.

Using DNA testing, officials have identified another victim, taking the total number of identified bodies to 23. Of the 79 people reported missing, only six remain unaccounted for.

Deputy Commissioner South, Javed Nabi Khosa, stated that the building will be sealed today. Families of 13 missing persons have neither contacted authorities nor provided DNA samples, while 55 families have submitted DNA samples.

Data for 30 deceased victims has been sent to the government to facilitate compensation, and checks will soon be distributed among the bereaved families.

SSP City, Arif Aziz, added that a case was registered yesterday, and statements are being recorded. So far, statements from 10 individuals, including six guards, have been taken. Authorities plan to collect information from CCTV footage to determine negligence or misconduct, ensuring that all aspects of the tragedy are fully investigated.