KARACHI, Pakistan — At least 67 people have died after a fire tore through the three-storey Gul Plaza shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan, authorities said Friday, as investigations continue into how the blaze started and spread.
A local government spokesperson said forensic teams have completed post-mortem examinations on all 67 recovered bodies, while DNA analysis is ongoing to identify victims who remain unrecognizable. So far, eight identities have been confirmed, and officials said the bodies would be returned to families once legal and medical procedures are complete.
Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the fire. Multiple government departments are coordinating recovery and investigative efforts, including examining electrical systems, structural damage, and potential ignition points inside the mall.
Emergency responders continue to search the damaged building for any remaining victims, while authorities have cordoned off the area to ensure public safety and facilitate the inquiry. Witness statements from survivors, shop workers, and first responders are being collected to help reconstruct how the fire spread.
Officials said hospitals in Karachi received the bodies for autopsies, and findings from DNA testing and post-mortem reports will be included in the final investigation. The local government also said it will review fire safety compliance at Gul Plaza and consider additional safety measures for commercial buildings in the city.
No timeline has been announced for the completion of the investigation.
