Authorities have declared Karachi’s Rimpa Plaza unsafe following the deadly fire at the adjacent Gul Plaza, citing severe structural damage caused by the blaze.

The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) said the fire badly affected the structural columns of Rimpa Plaza, prompting an immediate ban on the use of damaged and hazardous portions of the building.

In formal notices issued to the plaza management and shop owners, the SBCA directed that no activity should continue in the building without official permission.

Officials said all repair and restoration work must be carried out under the supervision of a certified structural engineer, and the building cannot be used until it is declared safe by the competent authority.

The SBCA warned of strict legal action in case of any violation of these orders, stating that immediate action would be taken if activities continued without approval.

Meanwhile, rescue operations at Gul Plaza continued for the fourth day after the fire.

Authorities said the death toll has reached 28, with 11 victims identified so far, while the identification process for 17 others is ongoing.

Rescue sources said 85 people are still missing and search efforts are continuing.

A fire officer said the cooling process has been completed and the smoke has cleared.

Search operations were conducted in all open areas, but no bodies were recovered there.

The Karachi mayor claimed that 70% of the rescue operation has been completed, adding that operations in the structurally dangerous parts of the building will begin today.

Officials said search operations will also be carried out today in parts of Rimpa Plaza, along with Gul Plaza, to rule out any remaining risk or loss of life.