A devastating fire that engulfed a shopping mall in Karachi has resulted in a catastrophic death toll of 67 individuals, according to an official statement from local government authorities on Friday. The tragedy at Gul Plaza represents the most lethal fire incident in Pakistan’s largest metropolis since the 2012 industrial inferno that claimed over 260 lives.
Municipal officials reported that forensic teams have completed post-mortem examinations for all recovered victims, with DNA analysis currently underway to facilitate identification of the deceased. The comprehensive identification process reflects the severe impact of the blaze on victims and families.
This catastrophe has reignited serious concerns about fire safety protocols and emergency preparedness in Pakistan’s urban centers. The incident marks the most significant loss of life from fire in Karachi in fourteen years, drawing painful parallels to previous industrial accidents that exposed similar safety deficiencies.
Emergency response teams worked through the night battling the intense flames and conducting rescue operations. The rapid spread of fire through the commercial structure trapped numerous shoppers and employees, creating challenges for evacuation efforts.
The tragedy has prompted calls for immediate review of fire safety regulations and building code enforcement across Pakistani cities, particularly in densely populated commercial districts where such disasters could have devastating consequences.