Gul Plaza Fire Rages for Over 18 Hours in Karachi; Six Dead, Several Missing

A deadly blaze at Karachi’s Gul Plaza shopping mall has claimed at least six lives, with officials warning that the toll may rise as several people remain trapped inside. The fire, which erupted on Saturday at a ground-floor flower shop in the mall housing around 1,200 shops, has been burning for over 18 hours.

Firefighters reported that the lack of ventilation and closed windows in the 1.75-acre building caused thick smoke, hindering rescue operations. Parts of the structure have collapsed, raising fears that the entire mall could give way. A firefighter, Furqan, was recovered from the rubble and taken to the Civil Hospital Trauma Centre.

Officials confirmed that 22 people were wounded and shifted to the Civil Hospital’s Burns Ward. Rescue operations involved 22 fire brigade vehicles, 10 water bowsers, four snorkels, and 33 ambulances, with Pakistan Navy, Rescue 1122, and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation personnel actively participating.

Sindh Labour and Social Protection Minister Saeed Ghani said, “All efforts were made to control the fire in time, and many people were evacuated,” while urging citizens to cooperate with authorities. A helpline has been established to facilitate inquiries about missing persons.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and President Asif Ali Zardari expressed grief over the incident, with the PM directing authorities to provide full assistance to affected traders and residents. The PM also hailed firefighter Furqan, who lost his life while saving others.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has ordered an inquiry into the blaze, emphasizing strict enforcement of fire safety laws and conducting audits of commercial buildings in Karachi. Bilawal Bhutto Zardari also expressed sorrow and condolences to the victims’ families.

Traders and citizens criticized government negligence, highlighting the lack of fire safety measures and delayed rescue response. “The incident was not an accident but the result of government negligence,” said Javed Qureshi, President of the All Pakistan Traders Association-Sindh, urging immediate justice and relief for affected families.

Officials noted that the fire spread rapidly due to flammable materials, including petroleum-based plastic products, and intense heat, while gas leakage reportedly caused a powerful explosion, worsening the blaze. Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fire.