A massive fire at Gul Plaza, one of Karachi’s busiest commercial complexes on M. A. Jinnah Road, has left at least six people dead, dozens injured, and caused billions of rupees in losses, while triggering widespread criticism of the city’s emergency and fire-fighting infrastructure.
The blaze erupted at around 10:15 pm on Saturday night, initially on the mezzanine floor, before rapidly spreading to the ground and first floors, according to fire brigade officials. The fire was later declared a third-degree emergency, prompting authorities to summon firefighting units from across the city.
Rescue efforts stretched for hours
Fire officials said 20 fire tenders, four snorkels, and a water bowser were deployed, with additional assistance from Pakistan Navy fire units. Despite the scale of the response, extreme heat, thick smoke, and structural damage severely hampered rescue operations.
The Chief Fire Officer confirmed that a pillar inside the building collapsed during the operation, while all shops on the ground floor were completely destroyed. Gul Plaza houses approximately 1,200 shops, many of them packed with flammable commercial goods.
إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ
کراچی جل رہا ہے
کراچی میں آج تک کسی بھی آگ پر قابو نہیں پایا جاسکا جب تک سب کچھ جل کر راکھ نہ ہوجائے۔ pic.twitter.com/UyYPzkIGQb— naeem shabana (@naeemshabana70) January 18, 2026
Rescue authorities said several people were trapped inside the building as smoke filled stairwells and exits. Many victims suffered severe smoke inhalation, while others sustained burn injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals, including Civil Hospital Karachi.
Casualties and injuries
Police and rescue officials confirmed that six people have died, most due to suffocation. Four victims were identified as Faraz, Kashif, Aamir, and Shahroz, while two others died during later stages of the operation, including a firefighter injured when a ladder collapsed.
At least two firefighters were injured after a fire brigade ladder broke during the rescue effort. Their condition was reported to be stable after medical treatment.
Explosion and possible cause
According to the Chief Fire Officer, a loud explosion occurred during the blaze, causing the fire to intensify. Preliminary information suggests a gas leak may have triggered the blast, though officials stressed that the final cause will be determined after a formal investigation.
The President of the Gul Plaza Traders Association, Tanveer Qasim, said the fire reportedly began at a shop selling artificial flowers, before spreading rapidly due to the presence of combustible materials.
Rescue officials warned that several structural pillars have weakened, raising fears of further collapse.
Traders accuse authorities of failure
Anger mounted among traders and families of victims as the operation dragged on, Tanveer Qasim told media that 80 to 100 people remained trapped for hours, accusing rescue agencies of lacking basic equipment.
“Fire brigade vehicles were running out of water every 10 minutes. There were no proper ladders, no modern tools, and no continuous water supply,” he said, adding that despite multiple exits in the building, rescuers failed to reach those trapped inside.
One of my friend is stuck with his family inside Gul Plaza, where a fire has broken out. Please pray for their safety and protection, and for the safe evacuation of everyone present. May Allah keep them safe and free from harm… Ameen pic.twitter.com/Fxk8YnSsmm
— Muhammad Farhan Khan (@mfarhank90) January 18, 2026
Market representatives said hundreds of people were initially evacuated, but rescue efforts slowed significantly afterward due to logistical failures and water shortages.
Roads closed, traffic chaos
The fire severely disrupted traffic across central Karachi. Authorities closed M. A. Jinnah Road from Tibet Chowk to Garden Chowk, and Maston Road from Uncle Saria Chowk to Central Plaza, diverting traffic to alternate routes and causing severe congestion in surrounding areas.
The Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation said water tankers were delayed due to traffic jams, though supply was later restored through three hydrants.
Government response
Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar ordered the SSP City to investigate the cause of the fire and ensure traffic corridors remain clear for emergency vehicles.
Kamran Tessori, the Governor of Sindh, visited the site, reviewed rescue efforts, and assured traders and victims’ families of full government support.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab expressed condolences and pledged immediate assistance for the affected families.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities to provide the best possible medical care to the injured and ordered all agencies to accelerate rescue and relief operations.
Meanwhile, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah ordered an immediate inquiry, instructing the Karachi commissioner to submit a detailed report and conduct fire safety audits of commercial buildings across the city.
Wider criticism and safety concerns
The tragedy reignited debate over Karachi’s fire safety standards. Jamaat-e-Islami Karachi chief Muneem Zafar said more than 2,500 fire incidents have occurred in the city over the past 18 months, warning that commercial buildings lack effective safety mechanisms.
Market sources estimate that the fire caused financial losses running into billions of rupees, with traders left devastated as flames destroyed inventories accumulated over years.
As firefighting operations continued into Sunday, officials said the fire was about 60 percent contained, but warned that conditions inside the building remained dangerous.
A broader failure
The Gul Plaza fire has once again exposed systemic weaknesses in Karachi’s emergency response system, from outdated firefighting equipment and water shortages to poor enforcement of building safety regulations.
As rescue operations continue and investigations begin, families of the victims and affected traders are demanding accountability — warning that without structural reforms, the city remains dangerously vulnerable to the next disaster.
