Karachi – A devastating Gul Plaza fire broke out around 10:45pm on January 17, 2026, at the multi-storey shopping mall on MA Jinnah Road. The inferno claimed six lives, including firefighter Furqan Shoukat from the Nazimabad Fire Office, and injured over 20 others. Rescue teams continue operations as parts of the old structure have collapsed, complicating efforts to bring the fire under control.
The incident exposes ongoing fire safety failures in Karachi‘s crowded commercial areas. Such tragedies highlight the urgent need for better enforcement of safety regulations in Pakistan’s urban markets, where similar risks threaten lives and livelihoods across South Asia.
Gul Plaza Fire Eruption and Response Efforts
The Gul Plaza fire started on the ground floor, likely due to a short circuit or circuit breaker issue in one shop. Flames spread rapidly through flammable materials including clothes, crockery, electrical appliances, cosmetics, perfumes, carpets, blankets, and resin objects.
Rescue 1122, Karachi Fire Brigade, Pakistan Navy, Sindh Rangers, and other departments deployed extensive resources. Around 20 fire tenders and four snorkels operated from three sides of the building. Up to 40 snorkels participated in total as operations continued.
Rescue 1122 Chief Operating Officer Hassaanul Haseeb Khan explained the challenges. “The building appears very old, and there is a danger that its structure may fall anytime because of the impact of the fire. Thus, the rescue operation is being carried out with extreme caution.” He noted the lack of proper ventilation, sealed sides, and intense heat preventing internal access.
By Sunday afternoon, authorities reported the fire brought under control by up to 60 per cent. Cooling and detailed search efforts for any trapped individuals will follow.
Firefighter Killed Karachi and Casualty Details
The Gul Plaza deaths include firefighter Furqan Shoukat, who died during extinguishing efforts after his body was recovered from rubble and taken to Civil Hospital Trauma Centre. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab expressed grief and assured full support for the martyred employee’s family.
Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed at Civil Hospital Karachi confirmed six bodies received, along with 11 injured. More than 17 people were treated for smoke inhalation and suffocation, with several discharged. An emergency was declared at the hospital.
Families reported missing relatives, including shopkeepers, buyers, three women, two men, and a 14-year-old girl from Delhi Colony. Helplines were set up: Sindh government lines 0313-5048048, 021-99206372, 021-99205625; South Zone police lines 021-99205670, 021-99201196, 021-99205691.
The Karachi mall blaze affected the plaza’s four floors plus basement, housing around 1,200 shops despite approval for fewer. Only two of seven exits were open, worsening the situation.
Karachi Mall Blaze Challenges and Official Reactions
The Karachi mall blaze persisted due to the building’s age, poor layout, and highly flammable stock. One side completely collapsed, with additional portions falling during operations.
Sindh IG Javed Alam Odho stated the fire likely originated from a short circuit or circuit breaker. Garden SDPO Mohsin Raza supported this view.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah ordered an immediate inquiry by Karachi Commissioner, a report on the cause, strict enforcement of fire safety rules, and action against negligence. He directed an immediate fire safety audit of Karachi’s commercial buildings.
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon noted government efforts to assist affected individuals after loss assessment. Karachi Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad confirmed ongoing operations followed by cooling and searches.
President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari expressed condolences, directed full resources for rescue, and urged best medical care for the injured.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori ordered expedited relief. Rangers deployed personnel for evacuation, valuables protection, and traffic management.
Background
Gul Plaza, an old commercial complex spanning roughly two acres, contains diverse shops across multiple levels including a basement. Karachi frequently experiences market fires due to overcrowding, non-compliance with safety standards, and inadequate enforcement.
This Gul Plaza fire follows other recent blazes, underscoring systemic vulnerabilities in urban fire prevention.
What’s Next
Firefighting teams will continue until full extinguishment, followed by cooling, structural assessment, and comprehensive searches for missing persons. The inquiry will establish the exact cause and any negligence.
Authorities plan urgent fire safety audits across Karachi’s markets. The Gul Plaza fire is expected to drive stricter regulations and improved compliance to avert future incidents.
The tragedy reinforces the critical importance of robust safety measures in Pakistan’s bustling commercial hubs.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 18th, 2026
Follow SouthAsianDesk on X, Instagram and Facebook for insights on business and current affairs from across South Asia.
Been playing on game789 for a few days now. The selection is pretty good, and I haven’t had any issues. Worth a shot if you’re looking for something new. game789
h888casino is pretty alright. The support was helpful when I had a small issue. Feels like a decent place to unwind and try your luck. h888casino
Trying my luck at 777dichoso today! The name sounds promising, so hopefully the games are too. Let’s get this bread! 777dichoso