Deadly Fire Engulfs Karachi’s Gul Plaza, Six Killed Including Firefighter

The massive fire at Gul Plaza shopping mall in Karachi has claimed at least six lives, including one brave firefighter, with over 20 injured and fears that dozens more may still be trapped or missing amid the rubble.
Ali Imran Chattha Karachi, January 18, 2026
 

A devastating blaze tore through the iconic Gul Plaza shopping complex on MA Jinnah Road late Saturday night, turning a bustling commercial hub into a scene of tragedy and destruction. The fire, which erupted around 10:38 PM on January 17, quickly engulfed multiple floors of the multi-storey building, fueled by highly flammable materials such as clothing, plastics, perfumes, foam, and household goods stocked in its approximately 1,200 shops.
Rescue teams from Rescue 1122, the fire brigade, and other agencies battled the inferno for over 24 hours. By late Sunday, the fire was largely doused, with reports indicating 60-70% control achieved earlier in the day, allowing search operations to begin inside the charred structure after 10 PM. However, parts of the building collapsed, including sections of walls and floors, severely complicating efforts and raising concerns about further structural instability.
Confirmed casualties stand at six deaths, including firefighter Furqan, who lost his life in the line of duty. At least 20-22 people were injured, many from smoke inhalation, burns, and related trauma, with victims rushed to Civil Hospital Karachi where an emergency was declared. Hospital authorities and police invoked mass disaster protocols. Families have reported 50-60 people missing, with estimates from traders suggesting up to 80-100 may have been trapped at the height of the blaze due to blocked exits, narrow passages, poor ventilation, and sealed windows that trapped toxic smoke.
The building, constructed in the early 1980s, housed a basement, mezzanine, and upper floors packed with narrow shops — a layout that hindered access for rescuers. Initial suspicions point to an electrical short circuit, possibly in an artificial flower or similar shop on the ground or mezzanine floor, though officials await a full investigation. An explosion, potentially from a gas leak, was reported during firefighting, further spreading the flames.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah visited the site and ordered a comprehensive fire safety audit of all commercial buildings in Karachi, vowing strict action against negligence at Gul Plaza and elsewhere. He described the structure as "very old" and promised compensation for victims and affected traders. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep condolences, directing immediate assistance, the best medical care for the injured, and a thorough review of safety standards across Sindh.
This tragedy echoes Karachi's recurring fire incidents, including deadly blazes in recent years at other markets and malls, often blamed on absent or non-functional fire safety systems, delayed emergency responses, water shortages, and lax enforcement of regulations. Traders and eyewitnesses expressed anguish over the lack of sprinklers, extinguishers, clear emergency exits, and timely fire brigade arrival — issues long highlighted but unaddressed.

Economic losses are staggering, with billions of rupees in stock and property destroyed, devastating livelihoods for shopkeepers, wholesalers, porters, and families dependent on the mall's commerce. Hundreds gathered outside in grief, some breaking down as they awaited news of loved ones.
As cooling operations continue and searches for survivors or remains proceed cautiously, the nation mourns the victims and calls for urgent reforms to prevent such preventable losses. Nazrana Times stands with the affected families and urges accountability to ensure no more lives are claimed by negligence.
For updates or to report missing persons, contact the registration desk at the site or Civil Hospital authorities. May Allah grant patience to the bereaved and speedy recovery to the injured.