Karachi, 19 January 2026 — The Gul Plaza fire that devastated a multi-storey shopping centre on MA Jinnah Road has been brought under control after nearly 36 hours of intense firefighting. At least 14 people, including one firefighter and one child, lost their lives in the Karachi shopping mall fire, with dozens still reported missing and the building declared structurally unsafe.
The blaze erupted around 10:27 pm on Saturday, 18 January 2026. Firefighters arrived quickly but faced extreme challenges as flames spread rapidly through highly flammable materials in shops on the ground floor, basement market, and upper levels. A total of 26 fire tenders, four snorkels, 10 water bowsers, and vehicles from 16 stations were deployed to combat the third-degree fire.
Gul Plaza Fire Deaths Climb to 14
Rescue operations recovered more bodies and remains overnight, raising the Gul Plaza fire deaths toll to 14. Identified victims include Kashif (40), Faraz (55), Mohammad Aamir (30), Furqan (25), and a child. Approximately 30 individuals sustained injuries from burns and smoke inhalation. Two firefighters, Irshad and Bilal, were treated at PNS Shifa Hospital, while others received care at burns units, trauma centres, and Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre. Several injured persons have since been discharged.
Chief Fire Officer Humayun Ahmed confirmed: “The structure is badly damaged and unsafe. There is serious risk of collapse, therefore firefighting has been stopped and only debris removal is under way.”
DIG South Asad Raza stated: “Police obtained mobile numbers of 59 missing people and traced the locations of at least 26 near Gul Plaza. Further scrutiny is under way.” A dedicated police helpline has been activated following Sindh government directives.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced full support for affected families and traders, promising compensation for losses. He described the building as a decades-old structure with a basement, ground floor, and three upper storeys housing over 1,000 shops. “It is too early to determine the exact cause,” he added.
Karachi Gul Plaza Blaze: Scale and Challenges
The Karachi Gul Plaza blaze forced a strategic shift from active firefighting to cautious debris clearance due to imminent collapse risks. Police and rescue teams are using mobile location data to trace missing persons. The Edhi Foundation received distress calls from relatives of more than 55 missing individuals and established a dedicated help desk. Authorities may require DNA testing to identify unclaimed remains.
The shopping centre, a popular destination for Karachi residents, contained a wide range of retail outlets selling clothing, electronics, perfumes, and plastic goods — materials that fuelled the rapid spread. Intense heat caused portions of the structure to collapse, severely hampering rescue access.
President Asif Ali Zardari instructed the Sindh government to provide immediate relief and launch a thorough safety review of commercial buildings across the province. Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon expressed deep sorrow and confirmed that a detailed inquiry has been ordered.
Background on Fire Safety Risks in Karachi Markets
Karachi has witnessed repeated fire incidents in old commercial areas due to overcrowding, narrow staircases, poor ventilation, absence of sprinkler systems, and lax enforcement of safety regulations. The Gul Plaza fire once again exposes these systemic vulnerabilities in ageing structures that continue to operate without modern fire prevention measures.
The Sindh government spokesperson Saadia Javed said all available resources were mobilised for the operation, with close monitoring from senior officials. Ongoing surveys of old buildings and stricter enforcement in new constructions aim to reduce future risks.
Such tragedies carry deep resonance across South Asia, where rapid urban growth often outpaces infrastructure safety standards, resulting in significant loss of life and economic damage.
What’s Next
Search and debris removal operations will continue under strict safety protocols. A formal inquiry will examine the origin of the Gul Plaza fire, building safety compliance, and response effectiveness. Compensation packages for traders and families have been assured by provincial authorities.
The Karachi shopping mall fire underlines the pressing need for city-wide safety audits, updated fire codes, and regular inspections to safeguard lives in densely packed commercial hubs.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 19th, 2026
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