The Sindh Cabinet on Tuesday approved Rs10 million in compensation for the family of each victim of the Gul Plaza tragedy, as identification efforts continued and investigators advanced the probe.

Authorities confirmed the identification of three more victims, taking the total number of identified fatalities to 27.

Police Surgeon Dr Samia said the medico-legal process for the remains of 73 bodies has been completed.

Of the identified victims, 20 were confirmed through DNA testing conducted at the Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory at the University of Karachi.

Dr Samia said the identification process is ongoing under standard protocols.

So far, 56 family samples have been collected to trace 65 missing persons. Further details will be shared as the process continues.

The compensation decision was taken at a Sindh Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah.

The cabinet was briefed that affected shopkeepers are being paid Rs500,000 each through the commissioner to cover kitchen and utility expenses.

The cabinet also approved interest-free loans of Rs10 million each for affected shopkeepers to help them restart their businesses.

The chief minister said the Sindh government will bear the interest cost on the loans.

He added that shop facilities would be arranged within two months to enable traders to resume operations, and pledged all possible measures for their protection and facilitation.

Expressing sorrow over the tragedy, the cabinet constituted a sub-committee headed by the chief minister.

The sub-committee includes provincial ministers Sharjeel Inam Memon, Nasir Hussain Shah, Saeed Ghani and Ziaul Hassan Lanjar.

It will review the inquiry report being prepared by the committee led by the Karachi commissioner and decide further action based on its findings.

Investigators prepare detailed site sketch

Meanwhile, search and debris removal operations at Gul Plaza remained suspended for a second day.

Green safety sheeting has been installed around the site, with police and Rangers deployed. The building has been handed over to the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA).

On the investigation front, District City investigation officers inspected the site and prepared a detailed sketch after examining the building from all three sides.

Officials said the sketch would be used for a meticulous assessment of the incident. Investigators have not yet been allowed inside the structure and are conducting the review from the exterior while awaiting the inquiry committee’s report.

Officials said formal investigation, including the recording of statements, will begin after the report is received. The prepared sketch includes Shop No. 193.

The District City team has collected evidence from the site, while forensic teams are examining multiple aspects of the case.

To compile data on the deceased and missing persons, a NADRA van has been requisitioned. Family Registration Certificates (FRCs) are being prepared at the DC South office for affected families.