The death toll from the Gul Plaza fire in Karachi has risen to 67. Rescue teams continue to search the debris for remains. Officials blame the blaze on negligence in a shop selling artificial flowers.
The fire erupted at Gul Plaza shopping mall in Karachi on Saturday, January 17, 2026. It claimed 67 lives by Thursday, January 22, 2026. Authorities recovered most bodies from the wreckage. The mall housed over 1,200 shops. Rescue operations faced delays due to high temperatures and structural damage.
This Gul Plaza fire highlights ongoing fire safety failures in Karachi. Commercial buildings often lack proper emergency systems. Similar incidents have plagued Pakistan’s urban centres. The tragedy affects thousands of traders and families in South Asia’s bustling economic hub.
Karachi Mall Fire: Initial Response and Rescue Efforts
Rescue 1122 teams deployed urban search units. They used thermal imaging cameras and cutters. Temperatures reached over 1,500°C inside the building. Workers cut through walls to access interiors. The structure was dilapidated. Vibrations from tools slowed progress.
Hassaanul Haseeb Khan from Rescue 1122 said: “Urban search and rescue teams are working at the incident site and using specialised tools and cutters.” He added that cooling efforts lasted three days. Officials described the incident as unprecedented.
One firefighter, Furqan Ali, died during operations. President Asif Ali Zardari praised his sacrifice. The president recommended a civil award for him. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the loss.
Pakistan Shopping Centre Fire: Cause and Investigations
The blaze started in a ground-floor shop selling artificial flowers. The owner claimed his minor sons lit a match and threw it inside. They left without extinguishing it. Witnesses corroborated this account. Authorities classified it as an accident. No detentions occurred.
A committee probes the incident. Preliminary findings point to negligence. The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) launched fire safety assessments. They inspected 35 buildings. Notices went to 266 structures for fixes. SBCA Director General Muzammil Halepoto stated: “The functionality of firefighting and emergency systems is being assessed.”
The mall spanned 8,000 square yards. It had ground-plus-three storeys. Parts collapsed during the fire. Relatives protested slow rescues. Faraz Ali, a victim’s son, said: “I want the bodies to be recovered and handed over to their rightful families.”
Karachi Fire Death Toll: Updates and Identifications
Police Surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed confirmed 67 deaths. Only seven bodies were identified. Post-mortems occurred at a local hospital. Earlier lists showed 50 fatalities. Remains appeared in fragments. DNA tests aid identification.
Deputy Inspector General Syed Asad Raza reported 30 bodies from one mezzanine shop. The toll rose sharply after this discovery. Authorities expect no further increases.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah announced PKR 10 million compensation for victims. He addressed a news conference in Karachi. The federal government pledged support. President Zardari and Prime Minister Sharif directed aid to affected traders.
Background: Fire Safety Challenges in Karachi
Karachi hosts numerous outdated commercial plazas. Many ignore building codes. A 2024 KMC survey flagged risks. SBCA issued prior warnings. Yet enforcement lags. The Gul Plaza fire echoes past tragedies. In 2025, a similar blaze hit a Lahore market. It killed 15 people.
Pakistan’s urban growth strains infrastructure. Overcrowded malls amplify dangers. Flammable goods like artificial flowers fuel rapid spreads. Experts call for stricter regulations. Local governments handle most oversight. Sindh leads with functional systems. But gaps persist in implementation.
National Assembly discussed the incident. Defence Minister Khawaja Asif urged empowered local bodies. He cited the Gul Plaza fire as evidence. Shehla Raza opposed politicising the event. Asad Qaiser expressed grief over losses.
Pakistan Airports Authority sent fire tenders. They aided district teams. Navy continued relief in Sindh. But focus stayed on Karachi. The tragedy impacts South Asia’s trade networks. Karachi ports handle regional goods. Shop owners sold wedding items and toys.
What’s Next: Recovery and Reforms
SBCA plans to demolish Gul Plaza post-search. Assessments continue citywide. Buildings without safety measures face sealing. The investigation committee will release a full report.
Federal aid includes assistance for traders. Compensation distribution starts soon. Families await DNA results for closures. Protests may intensify if delays occur.
The Gul Plaza fire demands urgent reforms. It could spur nationwide fire safety audits. Karachi authorities vow stricter enforcement.
This Gul Plaza fire serves as a stark reminder. Pakistan must prioritise urban safety to prevent future losses.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 23rd, 2026
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