KARACHI, Pakistan — A devastating multi-story fire at Gul Plaza shopping complex has resulted in at least 10 confirmed fatalities, with rescue teams recovering four additional bodies during overnight operations. The blaze, which ignited late Saturday, consumed the building for nearly 24 hours before firefighters finally contained the inferno late Sunday.
According to Mayor Murtaza Wahab, the death toll continues to rise as emergency crews comb through the severely damaged structure. Local media sources indicate the fatalities may have reached 14 individuals. The rapid spread of flames through shops containing highly flammable materials—including cosmetics, garments, and plastic goods—created extremely hazardous conditions, according to Dr. Abid Jalal Sheikh, Karachi’s chief rescue officer.
The scale of the tragedy became increasingly apparent as Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah revealed that approximately 60 individuals have been reported missing by concerned families. This prompted authorities to initiate an intensive search operation amid emotional scenes outside the charred building, where distraught relatives gathered awaiting news of their loved ones.
Karachi, the provincial capital of Sindh, has experienced numerous deadly fires throughout its history, with safety experts frequently citing inadequate safety protocols and unauthorized construction practices as contributing factors. This latest incident echoes previous tragedies, including a November 2023 shopping mall fire that claimed 10 lives and injured 22, and the horrific 2012 garment factory blaze that resulted in 260 fatalities—one of Pakistan’s deadliest industrial disasters.
Authorities have launched a formal investigation to determine the origin and cause of the fire, though preliminary findings have not been released. The incident has renewed concerns about urban safety standards and emergency response capabilities in Pakistan’s largest metropolitan area.