Karachi, Pakistan’s commercial hub, continues to struggle with the aftermath of the Gul Plaza tragedy, as the identification process of unrecognizable bodies and human remains recovered from the charred building remains underway.
The Sindh Forensic DNA Laboratory has identified four more victims through DNA analysis. With these latest identifications, seven bodies have now been identified through DNA testing, while the total number of identified victims has reached 15.
According to Police Surgeon Dr. Sumayya Syed, the identification process is facing serious challenges due to the severely burned and deteriorated condition of the remains. Many of the bodies are being brought in as fragmented human remains and in a crushed state, making the collection of viable DNA samples extremely difficult and further complicating the identification process.
The number of bodies identified through DNA testing has now risen to seven. Dr. Sumayya Syed stated that her team is sending samples of 44 bodies and human remains to the Sindh Forensic DNA Laboratory at the University of Karachi following post-mortem examinations.
Reference samples from victims’ families are also being forwarded for DNA profiling, and the process is being carried out in phases.
She further revealed that since Wednesday morning, 21 human body parts have been brought to Civil Hospital Karachi. “Only human remains are being received at the hospital since morning, which reflects the severity of the tragedy,” she said.
Affected families continue to wait anxiously for the completion of the identification process, while the city remains in deep shock following the devastating incident.