KARACHI: The search operation at the deadly Gul Plaza shopping centre fire site has concluded after 10 days of intensive rescue and relief efforts, and the burnt building has been sealed, the district administration said on Tuesday.

The Sindh Building Control Authority said experts from the Lahore Forensic Laboratory and the Pakistan Engineering Council will inspect the structure, a process that may take more than a week to complete.

The district administration said the building had already been declared dilapidated and unsafe, adding that forensic experts would work alongside engineers to determine the cause of the fire.

The massive blaze, the largest in Karachi in more than a decade, erupted on January 17 and rapidly engulfed the sprawling shopping complex, which housed around 1,200 family-owned shops selling wedding garments, toys, crockery and other goods.

Read More: Gul Plaza fire death toll rises to 73 as search nears completion

Officials said at least 73 people lost their lives in the incident, while 23 bodies have so far been identified through DNA testing.

A first information report has been registered at Nabi Bux Police Station under provisions related to negligence and carelessness. Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar said concerns of sabotage or terrorism were also being examined, and anti-terror provisions would be added if evidence emerged.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced that the remaining structure of Gul Plaza would be demolished and shops would be rebuilt on the site within two years. Addressing the Sindh Assembly, he assured shop owners they would be allotted the same number of shops after reconstruction.

“This is a very big tragedy. There is no price for a human life,” the chief minister said, announcing compensation of Rs10 million for each victim’s family.

He said a committee had been formed to assess losses and that the provincial government would bear the damages. An immediate payment of Rs500,000 would be given to every affected shopkeeper, he added.

As a temporary arrangement, the chief minister said 500 shops in one building and 350 in another had been arranged to allow traders to continue their businesses, with owners agreeing not to charge rent for a year.

He further said the Sindh government would provide collateral to help Gul Plaza shopkeepers secure loans of up to Rs10 million, with the government covering the interest cost.