Gul Plaza Fire Investigation Report Reveals Serious Oversights in Building Safety

Karachi, January 2026: The initial report on the tragic Gul Plaza fire in Karachi’s M.A. Jinnah Road has exposed several serious safety shortcomings. According to the report, the building had no alternative emergency exits, and basic fire safety measures were missing.

Narrow Entry and Exit Points Caused Rescue Problems

The report noted that the entry and exit routes in Gul Plaza were extremely narrow, which made it very difficult for firefighters and rescue teams to control the fire and evacuate people safely. Rescuers had to enter small sections and exit immediately. These limitations contributed to increased casualties.

Building History and Number of Shops

Officials said that Gul Plaza was built in 1995, initially with a basement, ground floor, and first floor. Over time, by 2003, three more floors were added. The report revealed that the building was originally approved for 500 shops, but the number increased over the years to 1,200 shops.

Fire Outbreak and Spread

The fire broke out on Saturday night around 10:15 PM on the ground floor and quickly spread to the third floor. The intense heat caused several parts of the building to collapse.

Death Toll and Injuries

So far, the tragic incident has claimed 14 lives and injured 30 people. Rescue teams reported that over 60 people are still missing.

Public and Business Community Concern

After the incident, citizens and business organizations expressed serious concerns about the lack of safety measures in commercial buildings. Families of the victims demanded that responsible parties be held accountable to prevent similar tragedies in the future.