Web Desk: Authorities in Karachi have identified the burned remains of 12 Gul Plaza victims for the first time in Pakistan’s history. They used advanced forensic and digital verification methods and handed the remains to families.
Officials say the breakthrough marks a major shift in disaster victim identification nationwide.
Investigators combined ante-mortem records, proof of presence at the site, and mobile phone location data. They matched this information with post-mortem findings to confirm identities.
Project head Aamir Hassan told reporters the country had never used this method collectively before. He said experts reorganized and cross-checked multiple data sources to overcome fire damage.
Authorities confirmed the identities of 12 people who died from severe burns.
The identified victims include three family members from North Nazimabad who came to Gul Plaza for shopping. They were Umar Nabeel, his wife Dr Ayesha, and their son Ali.
Officials also identified two brothers, Naimatullah and Abdullah, from SITE Metroville. They worked at a crockery shop in Dubai Market. Their cousin Yusuf Khan and Sadaqatullah from Garden were also identified.
Other victims include Yasin, a crockery shop owner from Qasba Colony, three brothers—Khizar Ali, Haider Ali, and Aamir Ali—and Abubakar from Ranchore Line.
After completing legal and forensic procedures, authorities handed over all 12 sets of remains to relatives.
The total number of identified victims from the Gul Plaza tragedy has now reached 39.
Investigators identified 20 victims through DNA profiling. They identified 12 through ante-mortem data and proof of presence. They identified six through facial recognition and one through a national identity card.
Experts say this multi-layered approach could change how Pakistan handles future mass-casualty incidents.
For families who waited weeks for answers, the identifications brought some closure. They also raised expectations for transparency, technology, and accountability.
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