Authorities Prepare Gul Plaza Fire Timeline Using CCTV Footage

KARACHI, January 22, 2026: Authorities investigating the deadly Gul Plaza fire in Karachi have prepared a detailed timeline of the incident using CCTV footage, officials confirmed on Thursday. The fire, which erupted on Saturday night, has claimed at least 60 lives, while 88 people remain missing.

Fire Timeline Revealed

According to the timeline, the fire started at 10:07pm at the back of the building. Ambulances reached the scene just five minutes later, at 10:12pm. CCTV footage shows that flames became visible on the front side of the plaza facing MA Jinnah Road at 10:18pm. Officials said it took roughly 11 minutes for the fire to spread from the back to the front of the building.

Rescue Efforts Continue

The rescue operation is ongoing, with authorities recovering 60 bodies so far. Thirty of these were found inside a single shop, identified with the help of eyewitnesses. 15 bodies have been officially identified, including Muhammad Shehroz, Misbah, Maryam, Kashif, Aamir, Faraz, Farooq, Farqan, Muhammad Ali, Tanveer, Muhammad Rizwan, Churchill Masih, Sarfraz Noor, Mohammad Saad, and Muhammad Usman.

Post-mortem examinations have been completed for 48 bodies, while rescuers continue to search for 88 missing people trapped under debris.

Fire Safety Measures Under Review

Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso said authorities have begun issuing notices to buildings lacking proper fire safety arrangements. So far, six such buildings in Karachi have received official warnings.

The Gul Plaza fire, which destroyed over 1,200 shops, is among the most severe fire incidents in Karachi in recent years. Investigators are emphasizing stricter enforcement of fire safety laws to prevent similar tragedies in the future.