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Karachi Gul Plaza fire: death toll rises to six as fire rages on after 10 hours

Karachi Gul Plaza fire: death toll rises to six as fire rages on after 10 hours

Web Desk
Jan 18, 2026

KARACHI: The massive fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi has claimed at least six lives so far with over 20 people injured, rescue officials have confirmed. The blaze, which broke out around 10 PM on Saturday night and was later declared a third-degree fire, has triggered panic as several people remained trapped inside the multi-storey commercial building.

According to rescue sources, three people were burnt to death, while three others died due to suffocation caused by thick smoke spreading throughout the building. Hospital authorities stated that five of the injured are in critical condition, while others are receiving medical treatment at various hospitals in the city.

Deputy Commissioner South Javed Khoso said the fire had intensified again in the rear portion of the building, adding that rescue and firefighting operations were continuing to bring the blaze under control as soon as possible. He said that the exact number of people present inside the plaza could not be estimated, and warned that it could take another four to six hours to fully control the fire.

DC South added that there was a possibility that one person remains trapped under the debris in the rear part of the building. As a precautionary measure, electricity and gas supplies in the surrounding area have remained suspended since last night, he added.

The Gul Plaza Traders Association said that many people were still trapped inside the building as rescue efforts continued. The association appealed to the government to immediately evacuate those stranded, warning that the lack of ventilation and exit routes had made the situation extremely dangerous.

“Shopkeepers have suffered massive losses, but saving lives should be the top priority,” a spokesperson for the traders’ association said.

FIREFIGHTING CHALLENGES AND RESCUE EFFORTS

Sindh government spokesperson Sadia Javed said the fire brigade faced severe difficulties in extinguishing the blaze due to the building’s poor infrastructure.

“There is no proper exit from the building, nor any system for air circulation,” she said, adding that firefighters were unable to enter the building at several points because of intense heat and smoke.

Fire tenders from across Karachi were deployed to the scene, while Pakistan Navy and Karachi Port Trust (KPT) vehicles also joined the rescue operation. Officials later confirmed that the fire had been 40 percent controlled, with continuous efforts underway to fully extinguish it.

Sadia Javed revealed that no fire extinguishing arrangements were installed in Gul Plaza. She also disclosed that while the building was approved for 400 shops, around 1,200 shops had been constructed, a serious violation of building regulations.

“Every possible effort is being made to control the fire. Action will be taken against those responsible for this incident,” she said, adding that controlling the fire remained the government’s top priority.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL REACTION

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of lives. In a statement, he offered heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

“The grief of the affected families is my own grief,” the interior minister said, calling the incident deeply unfortunate.

Sindh government spokesperson Sadia Javed also termed the fire incident tragic and assured the public that accountability would follow once the emergency situation was brought under control.

OFFICIALS AND EXPERTS HIGHLIGHT SAFETY LAPSES

Deputy Commissioner Javed Nabi Khoso said that while the incident was heartbreaking, rescue teams had managed to save many lives. He confirmed that the fire had been controlled by 60 to 70 per cent, and a search and rescue operation was underway on the two upper floors of the building.

An inquiry into fire safety arrangements at Gul Plaza will be conducted, and strict action will be taken against those found responsible, the deputy commissioner added.

Meanwhile, Association of Builders and Developers of Pakistan (ABAD) Vice Chairman Syed Afzal Hameed, speaking to Hum News, highlighted systemic failures in Karachi’s fire safety infrastructure. He said multiple institutions were responsible for ensuring fire safety in buildings, but enforcement remained weak.

“All necessary fire safety equipment must be installed, and trained staff should be present to handle emergencies,” he said. He criticised delayed response times, stating that fire brigade vehicles, which should arrive within five minutes, often take nearly an hour.

“There is constant business activity in Karachi. The city’s infrastructure must meet its needs,” he added, urging authorities to find long-term solutions.

SITUATION ONGOING

Rescue operations continue as firefighters battle to fully extinguish the blaze and search for any remaining trapped individuals. Authorities have urged the public to stay away from the area to allow emergency teams to operate without obstruction.