Karachi, Pakistan: Karachi, a city known for its vibrant markets and relentless energy, is engulfed in grief after a devastating fire at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road turned into a national tragedy. What began as a blaze late Saturday night escalated into one of the city’s deadliest commercial fires, with the official death toll reaching at least 23 and 65 people still reported missing as of Monday.
Fire Reignites, Building Partially Collapses
Although authorities initially declared the fire under control, flames reignited on Monday, forcing rescue operations to resume under hazardous conditions. The intensity of the fire caused nearly 40 per cent of the ground-plus-three-storey building—which housed around 1,200 shops—to collapse, further complicating recovery efforts.
Officials confirmed that body parts were recovered from the debris, making identification a slow and painful process and prolonging the anguish of families awaiting news of their loved ones.
Massive Rescue Operation Underway
Rescue teams from Rescue 1122, the Pakistan Navy’s fire brigade, and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) worked around the clock despite thick smoke and structural instability. Operations focused on cooling and searching three critical spots inside the building.
Authorities deployed:
- 16 fire tenders and bowsers
- 50–60 firefighters
- Over 431,000 gallons of water, supplied by the Karachi Water and Sewerage Corporation (KWSC)
The scale of the response highlighted the immense resources mobilised to contain the disaster.
Government Response and Official Statements
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab confirmed that 65 individuals remain missing, adding that only 18 bodies have been identified so far due to severe burn damage. Cooling operations are ongoing, and an inquiry committee has been formed.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announced:
- Rs10 million compensation for each deceased victim’s family
- Formation of an inquiry committee under Commissioner Hassan Naqvi
- A forensic investigation to determine the cause of the fire
He warned that the death toll could rise to as high as 80 and stated that the demolition of the damaged structure was being considered.
Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah suggested the formation of a judicial commission, while Additional IG Karachi Azad Khan said there was no evidence of arson so far.
Heartbreaking Stories of the Missing
Behind the statistics lie devastating personal stories. Raheel Ibrahim continues to wait for news of his cousin Naveed Juma, whose phone went silent after midnight on Saturday. An elderly man shared the agony of searching for his daughter, daughter-in-law, and sister, missing since 8pm that night, now facing lengthy DNA identification procedures.
In one of the most tragic accounts, a woman reported six family members missing, all of whom had gone shopping for a wedding.
International Condolences Pour In
The tragedy has resonated beyond Pakistan’s borders. Condolences and messages of solidarity were issued by:
- The United Kingdom’s High Commissioner Jane Marriot
- Turkish Embassy
- Russian Embassy
- German Consulate
- French Embassy
Criticism Over Delayed Response and Infrastructure Failures
Traders and residents criticised what they described as a delayed response and limited resources during the initial hours of the fire. Allegations included:
- Water shortages
- Blocked access routes
- Poor road conditions on M.A. Jinnah Road, hampering fire tender movement
Traffic police later closed M.A. Jinnah Road from Tibet Centre to Garden Chowk, diverting traffic to alternate routes.
Rehabilitation, Compensation and Future Measures
CM Murad Ali Shah pledged full rehabilitation of affected traders, announcing:
- A committee to assess financial losses
- Plans for temporary commercial spaces
- Commitment to rebuild Gul Plaza
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori termed the incident a “national tragedy” and assured victims of full provincial support.
A public helpline was established for missing persons and inquiries:
- 0313-5048048
- 021-99206372
- 021-99205625
A Stark Wake-Up Call for Urban Safety
The Gul Plaza fire stands as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities facing Pakistan’s urban centers and the urgent need for robust fire safety regulations, infrastructure upgrades, and rapid emergency response systems.
As Karachi mourns, the focus remains on recovery, victim identification, accountability, and ensuring such a catastrophe is never repeated. Continuous updates and in-depth coverage are available at pakistanpk.online, as the city seeks healing and answers in the aftermath of this devastating tragedy.
