A devastating fire at the Gul Plaza shopping centre in Karachi, Pakistan has turned into one of the city’s deadliest blazes in recent memory, with the death toll rising to 67 confirmed victims as rescue teams continue searching the rubble on the sixth day after the tragedy began.
The fire broke out late on Saturday, 17 January 2026, at the sprawling commercial complex in the Saddar area of Karachi, triggering intense flames that engulfed several floors of the multi-storey building. As of Thursday, rescue and recovery teams were still combing through debris in hopes of finding survivors, although many families fear their loved ones may be among the dozens still missing.
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Officials reported that bodies were found in various sections of the damaged building, including a significant number discovered inside a single shop, underscoring the difficulty and horror of the ongoing search.
Ongoing Search and Rescue Efforts
The search operation has been slow and grueling due to dangerous conditions inside the gutted structure. Thermal imaging cameras and specialised search equipment are being used to detect heat signatures beneath collapsed concrete and steel, while rescue teams chip away at debris in hopes of reaching any areas where people may still be trapped.
Despite the extended effort, authorities have cautioned that recovering additional remains is challenging. High temperatures from the days-long fire and structural instability have hampered search teams, forcing them to move cautiously to avoid further collapses.
Identification Challenges and Family Anguish
Identifying the victims has proved difficult. Many bodies were badly burned, and authorities have resorted to DNA testing and facial recognition to confirm identities. According to health officials, some remains could not be identified due to the severity of the damage, leaving grieving families in limbo as they await news.
Meanwhile, distraught relatives have gathered near the site, some protesting the slow pace of recovery operations and demanding clearer communication from officials about the status of missing persons.
Cause of the Fire and Safety Concerns
Investigators are still probing the exact cause of the blaze. Early reports suggested that a short circuit or electrical fault may have triggered the initial ignition, but officials have not ruled out other possibilities. The fire quickly spread through flammable merchandise like clothes, plastics, and homeware stored throughout the plaza, fueling the inferno.
The tragedy has reignited serious concerns about building safety standards in Karachi. Many observers noted that Gul Plaza lacked adequate fire exits, proper safety systems, and enforcement of safety regulations, contributing to the high casualty count and complicating rescue efforts.
Impact on the Community
Gul Plaza was home to more than 1,200 small, family-run shops, selling everything from crockery to fabrics. The fire not only claimed lives but also destroyed livelihoods, leaving shopkeepers and workers facing deep financial loss. Community members and local organisations have begun rallying support, offering online platforms and emergency resources to help displaced owners, although the path to recovery appears long and uncertain.
Looking Ahead
As the search continues, officials face mounting pressure to complete the operation safely while providing closure to families of the missing. The tragedy at Gul Plaza stands as a stark reminder of the critical importance of fire safety measures in commercial buildings — and the devastating consequences when they are neglected.
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