KARACHI, Pakistan: At least six people have died and more than 58 are reported missing after a massive fire broke out at the Gul Plaza shopping mall in Pakistan’s Karachi city, authorities said on Sunday.
Firefighters and rescue teams have been battling the blaze for over 20 hours, struggling with the mall’s flammable materials.
The fire erupted late Saturday at the three-storey mall, which houses around 1,200 shops and spans approximately 1.75 acres along MA Jinnah Road. It is believed to have started in a flower shop at the mall. Authorities are citing a possible short circuit as the cause of the fire.
The blaze quickly spread to the upper floors. By Sunday evening, officials said around 70–75% of the fire had been brought under control, though flare-ups continued.
Firefighters described the building as extremely dangerous, with portions of the structure collapsing during the ongoing rescue operation.
Karachi #GulPlazaFire#گل_پلازہ pic.twitter.com/FdLrbr5hQD
— Shah (@S0101019) January 18, 2026
Rescue operations underway
Over 150 personnel from multiple agencies, including Rescue 1122, the Pakistan Navy, and the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation, are engaged in firefighting and rescue efforts.
Operations involve 26 fire tenders, 10 water bowsers, four snorkels, and 33 ambulances.
Rescue teams face major challenges due to smoke, blocked exits, flammable materials, and the building’s deteriorated condition.
Authorities said that at least 25 people have been evacuated from the building so far.
Casualties and missing persons
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah confirmed six deaths, including firefighter Furqan Shoukat, and said 58–60 people remain missing.
He expressed sorrow over the loss of life and assured families that the government would provide compensation.
“The building is old and lacks proper fire safety measures. Many shops contained flammable materials, which intensified the fire,” Shah said during a site visit.
CM Sindh @MuradAliShahPPP at fire site: “Wedding season draws shoppers here. Last night’s blaze after 10pm saw swift response -1st tender at 10:27PM. 26 tenders, Navy & CAA aid contained it.” #KarachiFire pic.twitter.com/2V1EqsJPJy
— Sindh Chief Minister House (@SindhCMHouse) January 18, 2026
Civil Hospital Karachi reported receiving six bodies and 11 injured individuals. Most injuries were minor, and several people have been discharged.
Safety concerns
Authorities highlighted gaps in fire safety compliance and building maintenance.
The mall was reportedly constructed in the 1980s and had no modern fire-fighting systems or clearly marked exits, complicating rescue operations.
Chief Minister Shah ordered an immediate inquiry and strict enforcement of fire safety regulations.
“A fire safety audit should immediately be conducted across Karachi’s commercial buildings,” he said.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar directed traffic diversions near the mall to allow rescue and firefighting vehicles unimpeded access.
Helplines for missing persons
The government has set up helplines to assist families searching for missing individuals.
The numbers include: 0313-5048048, 021-99206372, 021-99205625, 021-99205670, 021-99201196, and 021-99205691.
Rescue 1122 Chief Operating Officer Abid Jalal described flammable materials, air conditioning shops, and the building’s unstable structure as major challenges.
Firefighters are using a phased approach, first controlling the fire before entering for search and rescue.
Deputy Inspector General South, Asad Raza, confirmed that additional police personnel have been deployed to maintain order and ensure safe access for emergency teams.
Hundreds of people, including distraught shop owners, gathered near the mall.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab expressed condolences to the family of the fallen firefighter and confirmed full support for the victims.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also expressed grief over the loss and prayed for the deceased.
Authorities warned that the fire may take another day or more to be fully extinguished due to the intensity of the blaze and materials stored inside the mall.
