Amid challenges and obstacles, the ongoing rescue operation at Gul Plaza in Karachi has slowed significantly.

According to authorities, 83 people were still missing in the debris, raising serious concerns among authorities and affected families.

The death toll in the deadly blaze has so far claimed 26 lives.

According to sources, rescue work at the front portion of the burnt-out building has been completely suspended, while only a limited number of rescue workers were operating at the rear, working with extremely scarce resources.

Rescue officials stated that the required manpower to clear the massive debris and reach those trapped underneath is not available, which is preventing the operation from progressing effectively.

The sources stated that heavy machinery and rescue vehicles have remained idle for the past four hours, worsening the already critical situation.

Eyewitnesses and families of the victims have expressed deep concern over the delays.

They urged the authorities to immediately deploy more manpower and necessary machinery to speed up the rescue efforts.

Meanwhile, the administration said the situation is being closely monitored, and steps are being taken to accelerate the rescue operation.

Authorities confirmed that the fire at Gul Plaza has been brought under control after more than 50 hours, allowing rescue teams to enter the building. Search and rescue operations for the recovery of bodies are ongoing, they maintained.

Officials said efforts are being made to increase the pace of rescue work following the extinguishing of the fire; however, extreme caution is being exercised due to the building’s unstable condition.

According to rescue sources, 26 bodies have so far been recovered from the building, of which 13 have been identified.

Most of the bodies are severely burned and unrecognisable, doctors said, adding that identification will only be possible through DNA testing.

For security and operational reasons, authorities have closed the road behind Gul Plaza to traffic.

During the rescue operation, 17 vehicles, 12 motorcycles, and one rickshaw were also removed from the building’s rooftop using a crane.

Rescue officials have warned that the damaged building could collapse at any time, posing serious risks to rescue workers.

Throughout the night, family members of the missing remained outside the building, desperately waiting for news of their loved ones.