Death toll in Pakistan shopping centre fire rises to at least 60

"At least 30 bodies were recovered from a mezzanine-floor shop, Karachi South Deputy Inspector General Syed Asad Raza told the daily Dawn newspaper. He said the overall death toll was estimated at 61 following the latest discoveries, adding that the final figure would be confirmed after DNA analysis is completed. The 30 bodies were located from the shop, Dubai Crockery, according to Karachi South Deputy Commissioner Javed Nabi Khoso. He said the victims had locked themselves in the shop in a bid to protect themselves."

"Search and recovery operations at Gul Plaza Shopping Centre continued on Thursday, with teams working to locate more than 80 people still missing from Saturday's devastating blaze in the densely packed commercial complex, officials said. Teams were collecting samples from remains found in the complex for identification, as officials warned the toll could rise further. More than 50 families have given DNA samples, provincial health official Summaiya Syed told journalists on Wednesday."

"Local media reported the victims had taken refuge inside the store after a stampede broke out in the mall during the early moments of Saturday's fire. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah expressed grief over the rising death toll and ordered that debris removal be halted until all bodies were retrieved, local media reported. Teams were collecting samples from remains found in the complex for identification, as officials warned the toll could rise further."

At least 60 people have died after a devastating blaze at Gul Plaza Shopping Centre in Karachi, with an estimated death toll of 61 following recent recoveries. Thirty bodies were recovered from a mezzanine-floor shop, Dubai Crockery; victims had locked themselves inside in a bid to protect themselves after a stampede in the mall. Search and recovery operations continue as teams work to locate more than 80 people still missing. Authorities are collecting DNA samples for identification; more than 50 families have provided samples. Sindh's chief minister ordered debris removal halted until all bodies are retrieved. Relatives criticised the pace of operations.

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