A major fire at a shopping complex in Pakistan's port city of Karachi has claimed the lives of six people, including one firefighter, after flames tore through the building overnight.
Rapid Spread and Rescue Efforts
The blaze broke out late on Saturday, 17 January 2026, at Gul Plaza, a four-storey building containing approximately 1,200 shops. According to the city's chief rescue officer, Dr. Abid Jalal Sheikh, the fire spread rapidly through units stocked with cosmetics, garments, and plastic goods.
Firefighters battled the inferno throughout the night and into Sunday. By the morning, officials reported that about 75% of the fire had been extinguished, but crews estimated they needed another four to six hours to bring it fully under control.
Tragic Loss of Life and Ongoing Search
Rescue teams recovered five bodies from the building and its basement. The sixth victim was a firefighter who died while attempting to extinguish flames on the upper floors.
Dr. Sheikh stated that some people may still be trapped inside, with families gathering at the scene to search for missing relatives. Television footage showed dozens of firefighters in protective gear working as thick smoke billowed from the damaged structure, parts of which collapsed during the fire.
History of Safety Concerns
The cause of the fire is not yet known, and an investigation will be launched. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed sorrow over the deaths and ordered authorities to use all available resources to prevent further losses.
This tragedy highlights ongoing safety concerns in Karachi, the capital of Sindh province. The city has a history of deadly fires, often attributed to poor safety standards and illegal construction. In a similar incident in November 2023, a fire at a Karachi shopping mall killed 10 people and injured 22 others.
