Key routes affected after Gul Plaza incident

Traffic has been heavily disrupted across key routes after the devastating fire at Gul Plaza, with both opposite roads still closed and traffic is being diverted to alternate routes.

According to officials, traffic congestion has been reported on major routes including Shahrah-e-Faisal, Tower to Numaish, Garden to Tibet Centre, and Hasan Square to Mazar-e-Quaid.

Rescue teams have entered the unstable building to continue the search operation despite the risk of the building structure collapsing. Rescue workers have also reported occasional flare-ups from smoldering debris. 

Authorities have recovered 26 bodies so far, while 83 people remain missing as relatives anxiously wait outside. DNA sample collection has begun to identify charred remains that are visually unrecognizable. Families have been asked to provide blood samples to expediate the DNA process.

While the rescue workers continue rescue efforts through smoke and rubble, investigations into the cause of the incident are underway. Authorities warn the death toll could rise as searches continue.