A devastating fire that erupted at Gul Plaza shopping center in Karachi has resulted in a catastrophic death toll of 67 confirmed fatalities, with rescue operations continuing amid the complex’s smoldering ruins. The inferno, which began on Saturday evening in Pakistan’s largest metropolitan center, required more than 24 hours of intensive firefighting efforts before being fully extinguished.
The scale of destruction has significantly hampered rescue operations across the 6,500-square-meter commercial complex. Authorities report that 77 individuals remain officially missing according to family submissions, while the identification process proceeds painstakingly slowly with only 15 victims formally identified thus far. The deputy commissioner of police confirmed the fatality count was based on the recovery of 67 skulls, with many remains too fragmented for immediate recognition.
Gul Plaza, housing approximately 1,200 retail establishments across multiple levels, was experiencing peak seasonal activity due to concurrent wedding celebrations and festival preparations. Witness accounts reveal that nearly all of the center’s 16 emergency exits were secured when the blaze initiated, with only three access points remaining operational during the evening incident. Shop proprietor Rehan Faisal described the rapid escalation, noting the entire complex became engulfed within ‘five to seven minutes’ as flames consumed the structure before horrified onlookers.
While the specific ignition source remains under investigation, preliminary reports indicate that non-functional fire safety systems, excessive occupant density, and obstructed egress routes dramatically amplified the tragedy. The shopping center was preparing for nightly closure when the fire broke out, resulting in most security gates being already locked. Emergency response teams continue sifting through the debris as Pakistan mourns one of its worst commercial fire disasters in recent history.
