KARACHI: The fire-affected Gul Plaza building has been officially declared unsafe and structurally hazardous by the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), prompting a strong recommendation that the building be demolished after the completion of the ongoing rescue operation.

On Thursday, a joint technical team from the Sindh Building Control Authority and the Pakistan Engineering Council conducted a detailed inspection of Gul Plaza, which was severely damaged in a massive fire that broke out last week. Following the visit, the technical committee concluded that the structure was no longer fit for use and posed serious safety risks.

According to officials, the assessment was carried out after evaluating the extent of fire damage, structural integrity, and the overall stability of the building. After the inspection, the committee unanimously declared Gul Plaza a “dangerous” structure and formally recommended that it be demolished once rescue and recovery operations are completed.

Officials emphasized that the recommendation to demolish the building is conditional on the safe conclusion of rescue efforts, as authorities are still searching for possible bodies trapped beneath the debris. The presence of rescue teams inside the building and the possibility of human remains under the rubble mean that demolition cannot begin until the operation is officially concluded.

A spokesperson for the Sindh Building Control Authority said that Gul Plaza covers an area of approximately 8,124 square yards and consists of 1,102 shops. The plaza was one of the major commercial centers in the area before it was completely gutted by fire on Saturday night. The intensity of the blaze caused extensive damage to the internal structure, weakening columns, beams, and floors.

“The fire engulfed the entire building and caused severe structural damage,” SBCA officials said. “Based on the findings of the technical committee, the building is no longer safe and cannot be restored for use. Demolition after the rescue operation is the safest and most viable option.”

The fire, which reportedly spread rapidly throughout the multi-storey plaza, exposed serious shortcomings in fire safety arrangements. Preliminary observations suggest that the absence or failure of proper fire prevention and firefighting systems contributed to the scale of destruction. The incident also raised broader concerns about compliance with building and fire safety regulations in commercial structures across Karachi.

Officials from the Pakistan Engineering Council, who were part of the inspection team, noted that prolonged exposure to high temperatures had significantly compromised the strength of the building’s structural components. Engineering experts warned that continued vibrations, aftershocks from debris removal, or even weather conditions could trigger partial or complete collapse if the building is not handled carefully.

Due to these risks, heavy machinery use has been restricted during the rescue operation, and rescue teams are proceeding with extreme caution. Authorities have repeatedly warned that any further collapse could endanger rescue personnel and nearby buildings.

The Sindh Building Control Authority also confirmed that inspections were conducted on buildings adjacent to Gul Plaza to assess whether they were affected by the fire or posed any secondary risks. According to SBCA officials, nearby structures were examined to ensure their safety and to determine whether evacuation or precautionary measures were required.

“The safety of surrounding buildings and residents is also a priority,” an SBCA official said. “So far, inspections have been carried out to identify any potential structural damage caused by heat exposure or falling debris.”

The declaration of Gul Plaza as unsafe has further intensified debate over building safety and regulatory enforcement in Karachi. Urban planners and safety experts have long warned that many commercial buildings in the city are operating without proper fire safety mechanisms, regular inspections, or updated structural assessments.

In recent days, the Gul Plaza tragedy has become a symbol of these systemic failures, sparking calls for accountability and comprehensive reforms. Experts argue that the incident highlights the urgent need for strict enforcement of building codes, mandatory fire safety audits, and regular structural evaluations, particularly in densely populated commercial zones.

Authorities have stated that a detailed investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. The probe is expected to examine whether the building complied with approved construction plans, fire safety requirements, and operational standards. Officials have also indicated that responsibility will be fixed if negligence or violations are found.

Meanwhile, families of missing persons continue to wait anxiously as rescue teams work around the clock to recover any remaining bodies from the debris. DNA sampling and forensic identification processes are also underway to help identify victims and return remains to their families.

The recommendation to demolish Gul Plaza marks a critical step in addressing the aftermath of the tragedy. Officials maintain that once rescue operations are completed and the site is declared clear, demolition will be carried out in a controlled and systematic manner to prevent further harm.