KARACHI – January 18, 2026 — A catastrophic fire that erupted late Saturday night at the historic Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road continues to burn more than 12 hours later, as rescue officials confirm the death toll has risen to six people.
Despite a massive mobilization of the city’s firefighting resources, including the Pakistan Navy and over 20 fire tenders, the blaze has been declared a “third-degree fire” and remains only partially contained.
Key Details of the Incident
- Location: Gul Plaza shopping mall, M.A. Jinnah Road, Karachi.
- Time of Eruption: Approximately 10:15 PM, Saturday, January 17.
- Casualties: 6 confirmed dead (including one firefighter); over 20 injured.
- Current Status: Firefighting and cooling operations ongoing; building structure declared unsafe.
Escalating Death Toll and Rescue Efforts
The Edhi Foundation and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) confirmed on Sunday morning that the death toll climbed from an initial three to six. Most victims reportedly died from suffocation due to dense smoke trapped within the poorly ventilated complex.
Among the deceased is Furqan, a firefighter from the Nazimabad Fire Office, who lost his life during the early hours of the operation. Other identified victims include men named Asif, Faraz, and Aamir.
Rescue teams have used snorkels to evacuate dozens of people from the upper floors, but the Gul Plaza Traders Association expressed grave concern that between 80 to 100 people may still be unaccounted for or trapped inside.
Challenges Facing Firefighters
Firefighters are struggling against extreme heat and a lack of ventilation. Key obstacles include:
- Highly Flammable Goods: The mall houses over 1,200 shops filled with electronics, perfumes, cosmetics, and garments, which acted as fuel for the blaze.
- Structural Risks: Parts of the building have already collapsed. Officials warn that the pillars have weakened significantly, making it dangerous for rescue workers to enter the interior.
- Congested Area: Located in one of Karachi’s busiest commercial hubs, the narrow access and thick smoke have hampered the speed of the response.
Official Response
Sindh Chief Minister has ordered a high-level inquiry into the cause of the fire, which preliminary reports suggest was a short circuit in a ground-floor shop. President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have expressed their deep grief over the loss of life and property, directing authorities to provide the best possible medical care to the injured currently at Civil Hospital.
As of Sunday afternoon, the Sindh government has established a dedicated helpline to assist families searching for missing relatives.
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