KARACHI: A search and rescue operation began after 10pm on Sunday at Karachi’s Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road after firefighters managed to fully douse a massive blaze that raged for nearly 24 hours. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah confirmed that six people have lost their lives, while over 50 individuals are feared missing.
Rescue 1122 officials said teams were finally able to enter the severely damaged building as the cooling process continued.
Firefighters Face Dangerous Conditions Inside Building
Officials stated that the fire had been brought under control by around 70 per cent by Sunday afternoon, but entry into the building remained unsafe due to structural damage and lingering flames caused by flammable materials.
“The building is extremely dilapidated. Parts of it have collapsed and sending firefighters inside earlier would have been life-threatening,” said Rescue 1122 COO Abid Jalal.
CM Confirms Casualties and Missing Persons
Speaking to the media around 7pm, CM Murad Ali Shah expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
“With utmost grief, I confirm that six people have died, including KMC firefighter Furqan Shaukat,” he said.
He added that 22 injured individuals were treated and later discharged, while reports of 58 to 60 people missing had been received. According to the South district administration, 53 missing persons had been officially reported by families.
Helplines Established for Missing Persons
The Sindh government set up helplines for families seeking information about missing individuals:
- 0313-5048048
- 021-99206372
- 021-99205625
Additional helplines issued by South Zone police include:
- 021-99205670
- 021-99201196
- 021-99205691
Mall Housed Over 1,000 Shops
CM Murad stated that Gul Plaza was a three-storey building with a basement, housing over 1,000 shops selling crockery, clothes, electrical items, cosmetics and perfumes — materials that significantly intensified the fire.
Hundreds of people gathered outside the mall, including distraught shop owners whose livelihoods were reduced to ashes.
Cause of Fire Yet to Be Confirmed
While investigations are ongoing, authorities suspect a short circuit in a shop storing flammable material may have ignited the blaze.
Sindh IG Javed Alam Odho said the building’s layout and the nature of goods stored inside caused the fire to continue smouldering long after it was controlled.
Massive Firefighting Effort Launched
According to officials:
- 26 fire tenders
- 10 water bowsers
- Multiple snorkels
were deployed during the operation.
More than 125 personnel from fire brigades, Rescue 1122, police, Rangers and municipal authorities participated in the rescue efforts.
Firefighter Dies in Line of Duty
Firefighter Furqan Shaukat lost his life during the operation. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab confirmed his death and announced full support for his family.
President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to the fallen firefighter and directed the Sindh government to nominate him for a civil award.
President and PM Assure Full Support
Both President Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif contacted the Sindh CM, offering full assistance and stressing:
- Proper medical care for the injured
- Rehabilitation of affected families
- Strict enforcement of fire safety laws
Traders Fear Billions in Losses
The All City Traders Ittehad Association (ACTIA) estimated losses of Rs2–2.5 billion, affecting nearly 1,200 traders.
ACTIA patron-in-chief Sharjeel Goplani urged the government to immediately compensate affected shopkeepers.
Calls for Fire Safety Reforms
CM Murad acknowledged serious lapses in building safety standards, noting the mall was constructed in the 1980s and lacked:
- Proper fire exits
- Internal fire extinguishing systems
- Clearly marked emergency routes
Authorities have vowed to conduct a thorough investigation and modernise fire safety inspection mechanisms to prevent future tragedies.
