Geo-Tagging Identifies 12 More Gul Plaza Fire Victims in Karachi

KARACHI:

Sindh Police confirmed on Thursday that 12 more victims of the Gul Plaza fire have been identified using geo-tagging, raising the total identified deceased to 42. Medico-legal teams are still working to identify at least 37 others who perished in the blaze.

The joint investigation involves Sindh Police forensic units and Punjab’s Urban Search and Rescue Force (USAR) using ARSEN Technology, which analyzes digital evidence from fire-affected sites.

Among the newly identified victims are a family from North Nazimabad—Umar Nabeel, his wife Dr. Ayesha, and their son Ali. Others identified include Khizar Ali, Haider Ali, Aamir Ali, Abu Bakar, Yaseen, Sadaqatullah, Yousaf Khan, Nematullah, and Abdullah, confirmed via geo-tagged mobile data and personal belongings.

Karachi Police Surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed leads the medico-legal team, retrieving remains and samples for forensic testing. The Citizens Police Liaison Committee is assisting families in collecting remains for last rites.

Previously, 23 victims were identified through DNA testing, six via facial recognition, and one through CNIC verification.

The inquiry committee led by Karachi Commissioner Syed Hasan Naqvi reported that the fire began in a flower shop around 10:15 pm and spread rapidly through AC ducts. The blaze is believed to have started accidentally due to children playing with matchsticks. Most fatalities occurred on the plaza’s mezzanine floor.