Karachi: The search operation at the site of the deadly Gul Plaza shopping center fire has concluded after 10 days of intensive rescue and relief efforts, authorities confirmed on Tuesday. The district administration has sealed the damaged building.
The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) announced that experts from the Lahore Forensic Laboratory and the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) will inspect the building.
Officials said the structural assessment and forensic investigation may take more than a week to complete. The building, already declared dilapidated and unsafe, will be examined to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Meanwhile, the fire has severely disrupted essential services in the area. Sui Gas supply has been suspended for the past 10 days, affecting more than 10,000 households. Residents are currently managing with purchased gas cylinders and have submitted complaints to the gas company.
Company officials stated that supply will not resume until the district administration grants permission. Residents have urged authorities to restore the gas supply immediately.
The blaze, which erupted on January 17, is the largest in the port city in over a decade. It rapidly engulfed the sprawling shopping complex, known for its 1,200 family-owned stores selling wedding clothes, toys, crockery, and other goods. Authorities have confirmed at least 73 deaths, with 23 victims identified through DNA testing.
The incident has left a lasting impact on the local community, highlighting urgent concerns regarding fire safety, emergency response, and infrastructure regulation in commercial buildings.
