Deadly Fire at Karachi Mall Kills 11, Dozens Missing

A massive fire engulfed the Gul Plaza shopping mall in Karachi over the weekend, killing at least 11 people and leaving more than 60 missing. The blaze, which burned for over 24 hours, rapidly spread through shops and thick smoke hampered rescue efforts. Authorities continue to search for survivors and investigate the cause, while residents and shopkeepers criticized delayed response and poor safety measures.

A massive fire broke out over the weekend at the multi-storey Gul Plaza shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 people, with more than 60 others reported missing. The blaze began late on Saturday evening on the ground floor of the building, with rescue services receiving the first call at 10:38 p.m. local time (1738 GMT). By the time firefighters arrived at the scene, the flames had already spread to the upper floors, making immediate containment extremely challenging.
The mall, which houses nearly 1,200 shops, contained a large number of businesses selling cosmetics, garments, and plastic goods. According to Abid Jalal Sheikh, Karachi’s chief rescue officer, the fire rapidly swept through these densely packed stores. Fire officials noted that the lack of proper ventilation in the building caused a thick blanket of smoke to fill the mall, significantly hindering rescue operations and making it difficult to reach individuals trapped inside.
Firefighters battled the flames for more than 24 hours before the fire was brought under control, but by late Sunday, large portions of the building had caved in. Rescue workers warned that the remaining structure remained unstable, posing a serious risk of further collapse. Local police have launched an investigation into the cause of the fire, which is still unknown.
Residents and shopkeepers reported that delays in the response, along with shortages of water and firefighting equipment, impeded efforts to control the blaze. Many traders expressed outrage at the destruction of their livelihoods, describing the loss of their shops and merchandise as devastating.
Karachi has experienced several deadly fires in recent years, often blamed on poor safety regulations and illegal construction. In November 2023, a mall fire in the city killed ten people, and a major garments factory blaze in 2012 claimed at least 260 lives. The Gul Plaza incident has highlighted continuing concerns over urban safety, regulatory enforcement, and the preparedness of emergency services in dealing with large-scale fires in the city.
Authorities and rescue teams continue to search for those still missing while efforts are ongoing to recover bodies and secure the unstable parts of the building. The tragedy has once again raised awareness of the urgent need for stronger safety measures and stricter adherence to building codes to prevent similar disasters in Karachi in the future.