• Death toll from the Karachi mall fire has risen to over 60.
• Rescue operations continue amid criticism of slow recovery efforts.
• Families are awaiting identification of their missing loved ones.

The death toll from the catastrophic fire at the Gul Plaza shopping complex in Karachi has reached at least 60, with ongoing reports of recovery operations revealing more bodies in the debris. Karachi South Deputy Commissioner Javed Nabi Khoso confirmed that at least 30 bodies were found in a locked store, identified as “Dubai Crockery,” where victims sought refuge during the blaze. The situation has drawn comparisons to past incidents, as this has become one of the most deadly fires in over a decade, following the tragic 2012 garment factory inferno that claimed 260 lives, according to Reuters, Channel News Asia, and Al Jazeera.

As recovery teams continue their work, families of the missing have expressed frustration over the slow pace of operations. Health authorities have reported that more than 50 families have submitted DNA samples to facilitate the identification of the remains, highlighting the urgent need for answers during this tragic time. Provincial health official Summaiya Syed emphasized the process, stating that “we will hand over the bodies (remains) to the family, once DNA samples are matched,” according to Channel News Asia and Al Jazeera.

The Sindh government has initiated an inquiry into the fire, with officials indicating that fire safety measures in the complex may not have met international standards, a common issue in Karachi's markets and factories known for their inadequate infrastructure. The local commissioner has stated that they are devoted to establishing the cause of this tragic event, which has thus far remained unclear, according to Reuters and Al Jazeera.