Authorities have announced that the remains of 12 individuals recovered from the rubble in the aftermath of the devastating fire at Gul Plaza will be handed over to their families today (Thursday).

Rescue officials said that the remains of those killed in the fire will be handed over after their presence at the site had been verified.

According to the officials, the last known location of more than 30 victims confirmed their presence inside Gul Plaza at the time of the incident, leading to the decision to return their remains to next of kin.

According to investigators, a total of 18 bodies and remains were recovered from the rubble.

However, several bodies were in a severely deteriorated condition, making it impossible to send their samples for laboratory analysis.

DNA results could not be obtained from 12 of the damaged samples, creating significant challenges in the identification process, they added.

During investigations, the authorities were able to ascertain the identity of shopkeeper Abu Bakr and his employee Amir through personal items such as watches, rings, and wallets.

Their identities were confirmed by Abu Bakr’s son, Taj.

Additionally, authorities have completed the identification of three members of the same family who belonged to the Metroville area in Site.

DNA tests confirmed the identities of Naimatullah, Abdullah, and Yousuf Khan.

Naimatullah and Abdullah were brothers, while Yousuf was their cousin.

Similarly, the remains of Sadaqatullah of the Garden area have also been identified.

Following the completion of identification, these remains were handed over to their families from the Edhi morgue.

Officials further stated that the remains of two brothers, Khizar and Haider Ali, have been handed over to their families, while the remains of Umar Nabil, his wife, and son from North Nazimabad have also been returned.

The process of returning the remains of other victims, including Yaseen, Yousuf, Nematullah, and Abdullah, is ongoing.

Investigative authorities stated that the remains of a total of 49 victims of the Gul Plaza tragedy have so far been returned to their families.