People take part in a candlelight vigil for the victims of the shopping mall fire incident in Karachi.
The death toll from the Pakistan shopping plaza fire in Karachi has climbed sharply.
Officials confirmed 67 fatalities after more human remains were recovered.
The deadly blaze ripped through Gul Plaza in Karachi’s port area last Saturday.
Rescue teams continue to comb through the charred and unstable structure.
Grim Discovery Inside Karachi Plaza
Police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed confirmed the updated death toll on Thursday.
She said many remains were found in fragments, complicating identification efforts.
DNA testing is being used to match victims with grieving families.
Senior police officer Asad Raza also verified the revised figures.
Authorities had earlier confirmed only 34 deaths from the Karachi shopping plaza fire.
The latest discoveries nearly doubled that number in a single update.
Rescue workers believe more bodies could still be trapped under debris.
Families Wait in Anguish
Relatives of the missing continue to camp outside the damaged building.
Many have also gathered near hospitals, hoping for news.
Several families have already submitted DNA samples for identification.
Emotions ran high as some relatives accused authorities of delaying rescue work.
A few attempted to force their way into the plaza.
Police stopped them, citing safety risks inside the weakened structure.
Khair-un-Nisa stood outside the plaza, overwhelmed with grief.
She said her relative went shopping and never returned.
“They are not searching properly,” she said, pointing at the rescuers.
Another woman, Saadia Saeed, said her brother remains missing since Saturday night.
She begged officials to let her search for him inside.
“I am ready to go in, but police are not allowing me,” she said.
Anger Over Slow Response
Authorities have not officially responded to claims of delayed action.
However, frustration among families continues to grow.
Many believe quicker intervention could have saved lives.
Police have increased deployment around the Karachi plaza site.
Their goal is to stop civilians from entering the dangerous structure.
Engineers warn that parts of the building could collapse without warning.
Despite criticism, rescue teams say searches must proceed carefully.
Heavy debris, smoke damage, and heat have slowed operations.
What Investigators Know So Far
Investigators say the Pakistan shopping plaza fire broke out during closing hours.
Most shopkeepers had already shut their stores or left.
The fire spread rapidly through tightly packed commercial floors.
Officials from the Sindh provincial government earlier said nearly 70 people were missing.
Flammable materials worsened the blaze within minutes.
Cosmetics, clothing, and plastic items fueled the intense flames.
The exact cause of the Karachi fire remains under investigation.
Police suspect a short circuit may have triggered the inferno.
Final conclusions will depend on forensic and electrical inspections.
Karachi’s Troubling Fire History
Karachi has seen several deadly fires over the years.
Poor safety standards often play a major role.
Weak regulatory enforcement remains a persistent problem.
Illegal construction and blocked emergency exits are common concerns.
Fire safety audits are frequently ignored or delayed.
In November 2023, a shopping mall fire killed 10 people.
At least 22 others were injured in that incident.
One of Pakistan’s worst disasters occurred in 2012.
A garment factory fire that year claimed at least 260 lives.
That tragedy sparked nationwide outrage over industrial safety.
As the Karachi shopping plaza fire investigation continues, families demand answers.
They want accountability, faster rescue efforts, and safer buildings.
For now, the city mourns yet another preventable loss.
