KARACHI, Pakistan — At least 14 people have died and dozens remain missing after a massive fire tore through the Gul Plaza shopping mall in Pakistan’s largest city, authorities said Monday. The blaze, which erupted late Saturday night and raged for more than a day, has left families in anguish and emergency services struggling with a complex rescue and recovery effort.
The multi-storey complex, located on the bustling M.A. Jinnah Road, housed around 1,200 shops, many of them selling highly flammable goods such as garments, cosmetics and household items — factors that fueled the intensity and rapid spread of the inferno.
Firefighters Battle Blaze for More Than 36 Hours
Emergency crews battled the fire for more than 36 hours, facing thick smoke, structural instability and periodic reignitions of flames even as cooling operations progressed. Fire officers reported that parts of the building had collapsed, complicating efforts to reach survivors or retrieve bodies from the gutted interior.
Karachi’s chief fire officer said the main flames were finally suppressed and cooling operations were underway. However, extensive damage left the structure unsafe, forcing teams to transition from active firefighting to debris removal and cautious search efforts.
Casualties, Missing Persons and Injuries
Officials confirmed 14 fatalities, including at least one firefighter who lost his life during rescue operations. Several more bodies have been recovered over the weekend as rescuers made incremental progress through the smoke-scarred ruin.
Authorities and local media reported that dozens of people — estimated between 60 and 80 — are still unaccounted for. Family members have registered missing persons at help desks established near the site, and police are using mobile phone data to trace those who have not been heard from since the blaze began.
At least 30 people were injured, mostly from smoke inhalation and burns, and were taken to nearby hospitals, where some remain under treatment.
Cause Unknown, Investigation Underway
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Preliminary accounts from rescue officials and traders suggest the blaze may have started from an electrical short circuit in one of the shops before spreading rapidly through the densely packed building filled with combustible material. A full investigation is expected once the site is fully secured.
Officials from Sindh province and Karachi authorities have launched inquiries into compliance with fire safety regulations and emergency response procedures, as questions mount over how the fire grew so unchecked in a commercial hub.
Local Reaction and Economic Toll
The fire has devastated livelihoods. Hundreds of shopkeepers lost stock and businesses, many of which constituted years of investment. Traders and residents have expressed frustration with the pace of emergency response and long-standing concerns over poor safety enforcement in older commercial buildings.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and other provincial officials visited the scene and pledged support for victims’ families, including compensation for losses and support during the ongoing search. Authorities also ordered stricter implementation of fire safety laws across Karachi following the disaster.
Scene of Devastation and Ongoing Search
Relatives of the missing have gathered outside the smouldering remains of Gul Plaza, many holding up photos and names of loved ones who were inside when the fire broke out late Saturday. Rescue teams, including police and volunteers, continue to dig through debris and blackened shop fronts in the hope of locating survivors or recovering those who lost their lives.
The tragedy has reignited debate over urban safety enforcement in Pakistan’s commercial districts, where rapid growth and outdated infrastructure often collide — with deadly consequences.
