KARACHI: In the aftermath of the deadly Gul Plaza fire, the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has declared the adjacent Rimpa Plaza unsafe, citing structural damage caused by debris from the collapsed portions of the adjoining building as rescue operations continue in the area.
In a formal notice, the SBCA said rubble from Gul Plaza damaged key structural pillars of Rimpa Plaza after parts of the fire-hit structure collapsed onto its ramp area. Notices have been issued to the plaza’s management and shop owners, directing them to immediately cease use of the affected portions of the building.
The development comes as the death toll from Karachi’s deadliest fire in more than a decade rose to 28 on Tuesday, while 81 people remain missing. Rescue teams continue to comb through the smouldering remains of the multi-storey shopping complex, which housed around 1,200 shops and spans an area larger than a football field.
The blaze broke out late Saturday in Karachi’s historic commercial district and raged for over 24 hours before being brought under control.
“It has been observed that, due to an unfortunate fire incident at Gul Plaza, several portions of the structure collapsed. During this incident, part of the collapsed structure fell onto the ramp area of the subject building, resulting in damage to its structural columns,” the SBCA notice stated.
Following inspection, the authority declared the affected portion of Rimpa Plaza “unsafe and dangerous,” posing a serious threat to human life and property. The SBCA ordered the immediate removal of unsafe structural elements and directed that all repair and strengthening work be carried out strictly under the supervision of a qualified structural engineer, in accordance with building laws and regulations.
The authority stressed that no part of the affected building may be occupied or used until it is officially declared safe, warning that failure to comply would result in legal action under the Sindh Building Control Ordinance, 1979.
Rescue Operations Continue
Deputy Commissioner South Javed Khoso visited the site to review relief efforts and told reporters that all belongings recovered from the site are being treated as trust property. He also disclosed that two dumpers carrying debris went missing the previous day but assured they would be traced.
Fire Officer Zafar Khan confirmed that the open area of the plaza’s basement has been cleared.
“The basement is clear, no bodies were found,” he said, adding that the collapsed section of the basement still remains to be searched. He further confirmed that the second and third floors of the building have been cleared.
Karachi Mayor Reviews Situation
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab visited Gul Plaza late Tuesday night to inspect the ongoing search and rescue operations. Speaking to the media, he said that two-thirds of the building has been cleared, and no additional bodies have been recovered so far.
“About 70 percent of the rescue operation has been completed,” Wahab said, adding that teams are cautiously drilling and removing debris in heavily collapsed areas, leaving open the possibility of further recoveries.
The mayor confirmed that authorities have received reports of 81 missing persons, noting that the final number of fatalities would be announced on Wednesday after the identification process is completed.
Earlier, Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed said that 28 bodies have been brought to Civil Hospital Karachi, while DNA samples from 50 families have been collected for profiling and cross-matching. Rescue sources said 11 bodies have been identified so far, including Muhammad Shehroz, Muhammad Rizwan and Maryam.
Citywide Fire Safety Audits Launched
Wahab also announced the launch of fire safety audits across Karachi by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC). He said authorities have begun correspondence with the Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (Abad) regarding buildings found to be non-compliant with fire safety regulations.
A letter shared by the mayor on his Facebook account urged Abad members to address identified fire safety deficiencies within three days, warning of strict action in case of non-compliance.
