Gul Plaza Fire Death Toll Rises to 67, 77 Still Missing

KARACHI, Friday, January 23, 2026: The death toll from the tragic Gul Plaza fire has risen to 67, while 77 people remain missing, authorities confirmed. So far, only 17 bodies have been identified, leaving families in deep grief and uncertainty.

Several days after the fire, relatives of the missing have gathered outside the shopping complex, anxiously waiting for news. Some have also protested, expressing frustration over the slow pace of rescue and investigation operations. Families say it has been six days since the tragedy, but no clear information has been provided about the missing individuals.

Dangerous Building Conditions Hinder Rescue

Officials warn that the structure of Gul Plaza has weakened, and it could collapse at any moment. Due to this risk, debris removal using heavy machinery has been temporarily halted, making it even harder to reach victims trapped under the rubble.

Rescue teams are continuing manual operations with limited resources. Entering the affected areas is extremely dangerous, but the teams are working tirelessly to recover more bodies.

How the Fire Started

The fire broke out suddenly on Saturday night, quickly engulfing the entire building. Flames destroyed dozens of shops and offices. Preliminary investigation reports indicate that the blaze was not caused by a short circuit.

According to sources, the fire started in a shop selling artificial flowers, where children were reportedly playing. Investigators believe the children may have been using matches or a lighter, which ignited the materials in the shop. The fire later spread through electrical wiring across the plaza, turning into a major disaster.

Authorities have said that a full investigation will be conducted, and those found responsible will be held accountable to prevent such tragedies in the future.