The Gul Plaza fire aftermath has triggered serious safety concerns across Karachi, as authorities declared the neighboring Rimpa Plaza unsafe due to structural damage caused by falling debris from the devastated shopping complex. As rescue operations continue, the tragedy has not only claimed lives but also exposed deep-rooted issues related to building safety, emergency preparedness, and regulatory enforcement in the city.
Rimpa Plaza Declared Unsafe
In the latest development of the Gul Plaza fire aftermath, the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) officially termed Rimpa Plaza “unsafe and dangerous.” According to the authority, rubble from the collapsed sections of Gul Plaza struck the ramp area and pillars of Rimpa Plaza, weakening its structural columns and posing a severe risk to human life and property.
SBCA issued formal notices to Rimpa Plaza’s management and shop owners, directing them to immediately stop using the affected portions of the building. The authority further ordered that all damaged structural elements be removed and that repair and strengthening work be carried out strictly under the supervision of a qualified structural engineer. Until an official safety clearance is issued, no part of the affected structure can be occupied.
Legal Warning from Authorities
As part of the Gul Plaza fire aftermath, SBCA warned that any failure to comply with its directives would lead to legal action under the Sindh Building Control Ordinance, 1979. This strong stance highlights the gravity of the situation and reflects growing pressure on regulatory bodies to act decisively following the catastrophic fire.
The declaration has left many shopkeepers and business owners anxious, as Rimpa Plaza is a busy commercial hub. However, officials stressed that public safety must take precedence over economic concerns.
Rising Death Toll and Ongoing Search
The Gul Plaza fire aftermath continues to unfold with grim updates from rescue teams. As of Tuesday, the death toll has risen to 28, while authorities have confirmed that 81 people are still missing. Rescue workers remain engaged in an extensive search operation inside the charred and unstable structure of Gul Plaza, Karachi’s largest fire incident in more than a decade.
The fire, which broke out late Saturday night, raged for over 24 hours before being brought under control. The massive shopping complex, home to nearly 1,200 shops and spread across an area larger than a football field, suffered extensive damage, with several portions collapsing entirely.
Basement and Upper Floors Cleared
Providing updates in the Gul Plaza fire aftermath, Fire Officer Zafar Khan confirmed that the open area of the basement has been thoroughly searched and no bodies were found there. However, the collapsed section of the basement remains under investigation, as rescuers carefully remove debris to avoid further structural collapse.
He also confirmed that the second and third floors of the building have been cleared. The slow pace of the operation reflects the dangerous conditions inside the structure, which has been weakened by intense heat and prolonged burning.
City Leadership on the Ground
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab visited the site late Tuesday night to oversee the rescue efforts. Speaking to the media, he said that nearly 70% of the rescue operation has been completed and around two-thirds of the building has been cleared so far.
In the context of the Gul Plaza fire aftermath, the mayor acknowledged that while no additional bodies have been recovered recently, the possibility of finding more victims remains as debris removal continues in collapsed areas. He also confirmed that reports of 81 missing persons have been officially received.
Identification of Victims
Police Surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed stated that 28 bodies have been brought to Civil Hospital Karachi. DNA samples from around 50 families have been collected to help identify victims through cross-matching. Rescue sources added that 11 bodies have so far been identified, with more expected as the process continues.
This painful identification process has become one of the most distressing aspects of the Gul Plaza fire aftermath, as families wait anxiously for news of their loved ones.
Fire Safety Audits Begin
One significant outcome of the Gul Plaza fire aftermath is the launch of fire safety audits across Karachi. Mayor Wahab confirmed that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) has begun inspecting buildings citywide to assess compliance with fire safety regulations.
Authorities have also contacted the Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD), urging members to address fire safety deficiencies identified in audit reports within three days. This move signals a potential shift toward stricter enforcement, something residents have long demanded.
A Wake-Up Call for Karachi
The Gul Plaza fire aftermath has become a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting building safety standards. Beyond the tragic loss of lives, it has exposed vulnerabilities in urban planning, emergency response systems, and regulatory oversight.
As rescue operations continue and investigations unfold, there is growing hope that this tragedy will serve as a turning point—pushing authorities, builders, and policymakers to prioritize safety over shortcuts, and ensuring that such a disaster is never repeated in Karachi.
