Karachi has been rocked by a catastrophic fire at Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road, which has so far claimed at least six lives, including a firefighter, while dozens remain injured or unaccounted for. Rescue teams continue to battle the inferno under extremely hazardous conditions as parts of the building have collapsed, raising fears of further casualties.
The fire erupted late Saturday night around 10:15pm on the ground floor of the decades-old commercial building and quickly spread to the mezzanine and upper floors. By the time emergency services arrived, flames had engulfed shops and warehouses on the lower levels, prompting officials to classify the incident as a third-degree fire — the most severe category.
During rescue operations, another section of the structure gave way, significantly endangering firefighters and emergency workers. One of the bodies recovered from the rubble was identified as firefighter Furqan, whose death brought the confirmed toll to six. Authorities fear that more victims may still be trapped inside the weakened building.
According to rescue officials, over 20 fire tenders and multiple snorkels have been deployed from across the city, with additional assistance provided by the Pakistan Navy. Firefighters are using both water and foam to control the blaze, but intense heat and thick smoke have severely limited access to the interior.
Rescue sources reported that more than 20 people sustained burn injuries or suffered from smoke inhalation and were rushed to nearby hospitals. Civil Hospital Karachi confirmed receiving six bodies and at least 11 injured individuals so far. Several others were treated for suffocation and later discharged.
The Gul Plaza Traders Association estimates that between 80 and 100 people may still be inside the building. The shopping complex houses nearly 1,200 shops and includes a basement market, where combustible goods such as crockery, clothing, cosmetics, electrical items, carpets, and perfumes are stored — factors that have intensified the fire and prolonged firefighting efforts.
Officials have warned that the building’s structure has become critically unstable and could collapse at any moment. One side of the plaza has already completely caved in, according to eyewitnesses at the scene.
Sindh Inspector General of Police Javed Alam Odho said preliminary findings suggest the fire may have originated from a circuit breaker. He noted that the building’s outdated design and the flammable nature of the stored merchandise have contributed to the fire continuing to smoulder despite hours of firefighting.
In response to the tragedy, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah ordered an immediate inquiry into the incident and directed authorities to submit a detailed report on the cause of the fire. He also stressed the need for strict enforcement of fire safety regulations.
“The fire safety arrangements in the building should be inspected,” the chief minister said, warning that action would be taken against anyone found negligent or careless.
The Sindh government has set up helplines for families searching for missing persons, while rescue operations continue with extreme caution.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. The prime minister directed authorities to ensure maximum safety during rescue efforts and instructed that full assistance and medical facilities be provided to the injured and affected traders.
As smoke continues to rise from the charred structure, emergency teams remain on high alert, racing against time to locate survivors amid the wreckage of one of the city’s deadliest commercial fires in recent years.
This is a developing story.
Sources: Dawn, Business Recorder, Tribune
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