🔴LIVE: Gul Plaza Fire: Sindh govt orders judicial inquiry into deadly incident

KARACHI: On the night of Saturday, January 17, a massive fire erupted at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road, engulfing the commercial hub in flames and trapping dozens inside. The blaze was brought under control after more than 32 hours, exposing serious weaknesses in the emergency response system. The building was declared structurally unsafe at the time, as rescue teams — supported by the Army, Rangers, and civil authorities — carried out search operations for missing persons. Families coordinated with authorities at help desks and DNA collection centres, while engineers conducted damage assessments.

Judicial Probe Gets Go-Ahead

The Sindh government has approved a judicial inquiry into the Gul Plaza tragedy to ensure transparent investigations into the incident.

According to details, the Sindh government has formally written a letter to the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court, recommending that the inquiry be conducted by a serving high court judge.

The decision was taken by a sub-committee headed by the Chief Minister of Sindh. The judicial inquiry will determine responsibility for the Gul Plaza incident and identify any administrative negligence.

The Sindh government has requested the Chief Justice of the Sindh High Court to nominate a judge to carry out the inquiry.

69 bodies identified

Authorities have identified a total of 69 victims from the tragic Gul Plaza fire, using a combination of DNA testing and “proof of presence” methods. The latest update comes as the Sindh Forensic DNA Lab released results for 15 more missing individuals.

According to officials leading the identification project, 42 bodies have been confirmed using proof of presence techniques, while 22 were identified through DNA testing. The remaining identifications relied on mobile phone locations and other scientific methods to establish the victims’ presence at the scene.

Project leads emphasized that as DNA testing options were exhausted, investigators increasingly relied on proof of presence to confirm the identities of the remaining victims. The forensic process is ongoing, and authorities continue to work to ensure all families receive accurate information about their loved ones.

Gul Plaza Tragedy: 12 more bodies identified

The Sindh Forensic Lab has identified 12 bodies of Gul Plaza fire incident with results increasing the number of identified victims to 39.

In-charge Identification Project Amir Hassan has said that the dead bodies have not been identified with the DNA but with “the proof of presence”. The remains of the identified 12 bodies will be handed over to the aggrieved families.

The proof of presence process has been started. The entry of any body found from a particular shop or the location was made part of the record. The bodies were also located by determining the place with the mobile phones locations.

Gul Plaza fire: Search operations end as authorities hand over site to SBCA

Search and debris removal operations at the site of the Gul Plaza tragedy have been completed.

According to the district administration, the fire-hit Gul Plaza building has now been handed over to the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA).

The administration stated that the decision regarding demolition of the structure or any further course of action will be taken by the SBCA.

Death toll rises to 74

Police Surgeon Dr. Samia Syed has said that some of those who died in the Gul Plaza fire disaster remain unidentified, raising concerns that victims may include people whose families are still unaware of their fate.

According to reports, the Police Surgeon’s Office in Karachi has received a report regarding an unidentified victim from the Gul Plaza fire incident. With this latest development, the death toll from the blaze has risen to 74.

Dr. Samia Syed said that a positive DNA result has been received from the Sindh Forensic DNA Laboratory. However, no matching reference sample has been submitted so far.

She explained that this indicates some of the victims who lost their lives in Gul Plaza have not yet been reported missing. There is also a possibility that the DNA belongs to someone from outside Karachi or even from another city.

All lapses in Gul Plaza fire will be probed

Authorities have begun recording statements from witnesses and staff. The SSP city confirmed that statements have been collected from security guards, watchmen, and other personnel present at the plaza during the incident.

“The process of taking statements is ongoing after the case was registered,” said SSP Arif Aziz. “Once all information is gathered, any negligence or lapses contributing to the Gul Plaza fire will be addressed.”

Officials confirmed that six security guards were on duty during the blaze, and all have provided their accounts to investigators. A digital video recorder (DVR) recovered from the site is also being analysed to help reconstruct the sequence of events at Gul Plaza.

Investigators are focusing on key questions, including why doors were closed and why emergency exits were not opened after the fire broke out. SSP Arif Aziz emphasized that the inquiry aims to determine the full chain of responsibility and ensure accountability.

Authorities reiterated that all efforts are being made to uncover the truth behind the disaster at Gul Plaza, and further updates will be shared as the investigation progresses.

Authorities to seal Gul Plaza tomorrow

The Deputy Commissioner South has said that Gul Plaza will be completely sealed tomorrow as authorities move to the next phase following the deadly incident.

According to the Deputy Commissioner, the search operation at Gul Plaza is almost complete. Only one pocket of the building remains uncleared, and there is no information about any bodies in that area.

He added that once a case is registered, the investigation into the Gul Plaza incident will be expedited.

The Deputy Commissioner said 82 people were initially reported missing after the Gul Plaza incident. Families who still believe their loved ones are missing have been asked to contact the administration.

He stated that 13 missing cases remain unresolved because relatives have not yet provided DNA samples. He urged families to cooperate so the identification process can be completed.

Gul Plaza fire: Death toll jumps to 73

Death toll in Gul Plaza fire tragedy has jumped to 73 after rescue officials found two more remains of the victims from the debris.

According to the Sindh Forensic DNA and Serology Laboratory, the process of issuing DNA results remains ongoing. The in-charge of the Identification Project confirmed that the deceased has been identified as Abdul Haseeb.

Rescue teams have also recovered the remains of two additional individuals from the debris, officials involved in the identification process said.

Authorities stated that 21 unidentified bodies were recovered following the incident. Of these, 16 have so far been identified through DNA profiling. Earlier, the identities of 15 victims had already been confirmed using the same method.

Search operation at Gul Plaza to end today, says DC South

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Karachi South Javed Nabi Khoso on Sunday announced that Gul Plaza search operation to end today, ARY News reported.

Speaking to media, the DC South said that the authorities would reach a conclusion regarding the Gul Plaza incident soon and that all necessary legal action would be taken in accordance with the law.

He stated that more than 71 people lost their lives in the Gul Plaza tragedy, while a total of 82 individuals were initially reported missing.

DVRs recovered from debris

Investigators probing the Gul Plaza tragedy have recovered three digital video recorders (DVRs) from the rubble, raising hopes of uncovering crucial evidence related to the incident.

According to officials, the DVRs along with their chargers were found by the Urban Search and Rescue team in a room near a mosque adjacent to Gul Plaza. The recovered devices have been handed over by the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation to the Deputy Commissioner of District South for further examination.

Authorities believe the DVRs could provide key clues to determine the causes and sequence of events that led to the Gul Plaza incident. Technical analysis of the footage is expected to play an important role in the ongoing investigation.

Death Toll Rises to 71

The number of fatalities from the Gul Plaza fire has risen to 71 after additional human remains were recovered during the ongoing search operation, ARY News reported on Friday, citing sources at Civil Hospital.

According to hospital sources, human remains were sent to the Civil Hospital a day earlier for DNA profiling.

During the post-mortem process, it was assessed that the quantity of recovered remains was greater than initially estimated.

Gul Plaza fire: Tanveer Pasta says light was switched off as precautionary measure

Gul Plaza Traders Association President Tanveer Pasta has dismissed claims circulating on social media about him, terming them completely baseless.

Speaking to the media in Karachi, Tanveer Pasta said that a slip being shared online in his name is fake and misleading.

He clarified that market entry and exit routes were not blocked at the time of the incident. According to him, the emergency ramp was open and two exit routes from the mosque were also accessible.

Tanveer Pasta confirmed that electricity was switched off after the fire broke out, but stressed that the decision was taken purely as a precautionary measure. He explained that had the power not been disconnected, the fire could have spread through electrical wiring, worsening the situation.

He added that even those who managed to come out safely might not have been able to escape had the electricity remained on, underlining that the step was taken to prevent further danger rather than cause harm.

Gul Plaza fire timeline prepared as officials confirm most exits were closed

Shocking revelations have emerged in the Gul Plaza fire tragedy, as officials prepared a timeline of the incident and revealed that most of the building’s exits were closed when the fire broke out.

According to official sources, Gul Plaza had a total of 16 exits; however, only two were open when the fire erupted, severely hindering evacuation efforts and leaving people trapped inside.

A massive fire engulfed Gul Plaza, located on M.A. Jinnah Road, late Saturday night, January 17, leaving the city in shock. At least 63 people have lost their lives, while dozens were initially reported missing. Although the fire has now been brought under control, the building remains structurally unsafe.

Authorities have prepared a detailed timeline of the incident as part of ongoing investigations to determine the cause and spread of the fire. The timeline was developed with the help of CCTV footage from surrounding areas.

Only 15 bodies identified amid fragmented remains

In the aftermath of the Gul Plaza tragedy, authorities have successfully identified 15 victims so far, the police surgeon confirmed. Most of the remains recovered from the debris are in a severely deteriorated condition, with many consisting of broken bones and teeth, making identification extremely challenging, said Dr. Samia.

The damage to the remains has also prevented the collection of DNA samples in several cases, complicating efforts to return them to the families. Officials warned that the absence of DNA testing is likely to delay the process of handing over the remains to the victims’ next of kin.

Death toll reaches 63

Recovery and search operations are ongoing at Gul Plaza after authorities confirmed the discovery of a large number of bodies from a single shop, sharply raising the death toll in the tragic incident.

Officials said around 30 bodies were recovered from one shop during the operation. Deputy Commissioner South stated that rescue teams remain actively engaged, with all relevant departments on high alert.

The Additional Inspector General of Karachi confirmed the recovery, while police said the death toll in the Gul Plaza tragedy has reached 63. SSP City Police said the bodies were found in a charred condition inside Dubai Crockery, a shop located at Gul Plaza.

The DC South said the recovery operation is still underway, adding that 20 to 25 sets of human remains have also been recovered so far. Authorities acknowledged the support of traders and shopkeepers in facilitating the operation.

Officials also revealed that people trapped inside the crockery shop had earlier sent voice messages seeking help, prompting an intensified search. Rescue and recovery efforts at Gul Plaza are continuing as investigations remain underway.

Rimpa Plaza sealed

Karachi: The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) on Wednesday sealed Rimpa Plaza, located adjacent to the Gul Plaza shopping mall, following a deadly fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi, ARY News reported.

The devastating blaze at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road has claimed at least 28 lives, while dozens of people are still reported missing. Search and rescue operations are ongoing.

According to reports, the intense fire has left the decades-old Rimpa Plaza in a weakened and potentially hazardous condition.

Demolition decision pending

Authorities are closely monitoring the remaining sections of the damaged Gul Plaza building, with final decisions on demolition or reconstruction pending technical assessments.

According to Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) sources, the basement of the building currently contains hot water, preventing immediate inspection of the interior columns. Officials have emphasized that it is too early to comment on whether the remaining structure will be demolished.

“All decisions regarding whether the building will be declared unsafe or reconstructed in a new manner will be made only after a thorough inspection by the technical committee, fire brigade, and rescue teams,” said SBCA officials.

The recent collapse of Gul Plaza’s exterior caused part of the structure to tilt toward Rampa Plaza, affecting two of its internal columns. The interior of Gul Plaza was also impacted by the exterior collapse. SBCA Director Rehan confirmed that jacks will be installed between Rampa Plaza and the front section of Gul Plaza by tonight to stabilize the structure.

Once stabilization is complete, Karachi Municipal Corporation teams will be allowed to enter for search operations. However, due to extreme heat inside the building, immediate entry is not possible, and water is being applied to cool the area.

Following the search, the damaged sections of Gul Plaza could be demolished within two to three days, depending on the findings of the technical assessment and operational clearance.

DNA cross-matching underway as 8 victims identified

Police Surgeon Dr. Summaiya said that eight out of 28 bodies recovered so far from the Gul Plaza fire have been identified.

She said that six victims who died on the first day were identified immediately. One of the deceased, Tanveer, was identified through his national identity card, despite severe burn injuries.

Dr. Summaiya further revealed that the remains of a young girl were also recovered from the site. The girl was identified as Misbah based on a locket found around her neck bearing her name.

As a precautionary measure, DNA samples of Tanveer and Misbah’s families have been collected. “The DNA samples will be cross-matched for further confirmation,” the police surgeon said.

Authorities say the identification process remains ongoing as recovery and forensic procedures continue at the Gul Plaza site.

Rescue operation may take more days

The operation at the fire-ravaged Gul Plaza is expected to continue for several more days, Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan said on Tuesday, highlighting the challenges faced by rescue teams working amid unstable debris and lingering flames.

“This is a very large area, and the fire can flare up while removing debris,” Khan said, emphasizing the risks involved. “We are taking all precautions while trying to bring this operation to a conclusion.”

The chief fire officer explained that teams have been working non-stop for the past three days, conducting searches on the first and second floors. “The heat on the second floor was intense, forcing us to halt the search in some areas,” he added.

Khan also confirmed that 32 vehicles were removed from the rooftop parking area overnight to facilitate ongoing operations. “On the first day, the intensity of the fire was such that a close-range operation was impossible,” he said, noting the extraordinary efforts of the firefighting teams.

“One of our firefighters has already been martyred in the line of duty. Despite criticism, our teams are working beyond capacity to manage this large-scale operation,” Khan said. He added that yesterday, significant cash recovered during the rescue operation was handed over to relevant authorities.

Authorities continue to urge patience as the painstaking search for victims and safe removal of debris proceeds, with safety and structural concerns remaining the top priority.

Death toll reaches 33

Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso on Tuesday said that rescue and recovery operations at Gul Plaza are continuing, with all relevant institutions working together at the site.

Speaking to the media, the DC South confirmed that 85 missing persons have so far been reported at the help desk, while 33 deaths have been officially verified. He added that 52 families have submitted DNA samples to assist in the identification process.

“We are making every possible effort to complete the identification process at the earliest,” Khoso said, expressing solidarity with the affected families. “We share the grief of the victims’ families and pray that someone may still be found alive under the debris.”

The deputy commissioner said debris removal is being carried out carefully and technically, warning that the operation will take time. He urged families of missing persons to report to the designated help desk or contact the official numbers.

Khoso further revealed that a report has been sought from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) regarding the structural integrity of Rimpa Plaza, adding that a decision will be made based on the findings.

He noted that one portion of the Gul Plaza building is extremely weak, while another section remains relatively stable, and advised traders to stay away from vulnerable areas.

Three Lyari teenage boys still missing

Three teenage boys from Karachi’s Lyari working at Gul Plaza remain missing after a deadly fire that broke out on Saturday night.

As per details, three teenage boys named Hamza, 13, Hassam, 15, and Abdus Samad, 16, residents of Lyari’s Cheel Chowk area, remain missing following the deadly fire. All three worked at shops in Gul Plaza and have not been traced so far.

Abdus Samad’s father, Muhammad Abdul Rehman, has been left devastated by the tragedy. Overcome with grief due to his son’s disappearance, he collapsed at the scene.

Gul Plaza fire: Nazimabad fire station to be named after shaheed Furqan

Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab has announced that the Nazimabad Fire Station will be renamed in honour of Furqan, the firefighter who was martyred during the rescue operation at Gul Plaza.

ARY News reported that the Mayor also committed to providing employment to Furqan’s widow and covering the educational expenses of his children.

On Monday, Mayor Wahab visited Furqan’s family to offer his condolences. During the visit, he confirmed that the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) would ensure the family is supported through both employment and education grants.

The loss of the family’s sole breadwinner has been heart-wrenching. Furqan’s relatives described him as the pillar of their lives—a devoted father, brother, and son.

The family has appealed to the government to allow his widow to continue living in their government-allotted housing rather than withdrawing the facility.

Authorities record 81 missing

The number of missing persons in the Gul Plaza fire has risen to 81, according to the latest figures released by the missing persons desk set up at the DC office. Families have registered complaints for all 81 missing individuals at the help desk.

Meanwhile, DNA collection for victim identification has begun. Relatives have already submitted samples for 18 victims to assist authorities in confirming their identities.

Rescue teams continue to work inside the fire-ravaged Gul Plaza. Teams are entering through rear access points, while heavy machinery is being used to clear debris and create safe pathways for ongoing search operations.

Authorities urge families of missing persons to coordinate with the DC office helpline for updates as the rescue and recovery efforts continue.

Survivor reveals 24 of 26 gates were locked

Survivors of the Gul Plaza fire have revealed shocking details of chaos inside the building, highlighting major safety failures.

Zubair, brought in unconscious after the fire, said Gul Plaza has 26 gates, but 24 were locked after 10pm, leaving only two exit routes. “Darkness and thick smoke made the situation unbearable. More than 20 people, including relatives and guests, were inside my shop,” he said.

A second shopkeeper, Zubair’s cousin, said he entered Gul Plaza on his own to rescue trapped people. “We pulled Zubair and many others out. Some were lying unconscious. Breathing was extremely difficult because of the smoke,” he said.

He added there were no emergency exits, and locked gates turned the building into a death trap. “We pray at least the bodies are found so we can perform burials,” the survivor said.

The accounts raise serious questions about safety arrangements at Gul Plaza as rescue operations continue.

Families intervene in debris removal

In a new development at the Gul Plaza fire site, families of the victims blocked a crane from lifting debris, insisting that authorities recover the bodies of their loved ones before any machinery is used.

Eyewitnesses said affected people stood in front of the crane, chanting, “First retrieve our loved ones, then use the crane.”Authorities responded quickly as Sindh Rangers intervened, removing those obstructing the operation to allow rescue work to continue.

The situation remains tense as authorities attempt to balance rescue efforts, structural safety, and the concerns of grieving families.

Gul Plaza traders clash with police during mayor’s visit

Mayor Murtaza Wahab faced an angry crowd for the second consecutive day during his visit to the Gul Plaza fire site. The first attempt to confront him occurred yesterday, while today the crowd again tried to approach the mayor. Police escorted Mayor Wahab to the Deputy Commissioner’s (DC) office for safety as people attempted to force entry, reportedly throwing sticks and clashing with security personnel.

Mayor Wahab emphasized the importance of dialogue, saying:

“Everyone has the right to speak. For those who work, if you cannot appreciate them, at least do not oppose them.”

He confirmed that emergency protocols were followed: the first fire report was received at 10:26 a.m., and the first fire brigade arrived at 10:38 a.m. Officials noted that the fire’s intensity required advanced support.

To assess financial losses, Mayor Wahab announced a committee including local traders and Nasser Hussain Shah. He also highlighted that the Sindh Chief Minister has set up a team to support affected traders.

“We should not get into a blame game at this time,” he added, stressing that immediate steps were taken to control the fire.

“Talking and coordinating can solve many problems.”

Death toll rises to 26, says DIG South

DIG South has confirmed that 26 bodies have so far been recovered from Gul Plaza, while six victims have been identified and the identification of the remaining bodies will be carried out through DNA testing.

According to the DIG, a total of 69 people have been reported missing, with the last known location of 32 of them traced to Gul Plaza. He said the situation in and around Gul Plaza and Rampa Plaza is fully under control, and all entry points have been secured.

Only rescue personnel are being allowed inside the building, and no unauthorised individual is permitted to enter the premises. The DIG added that rescue agencies are continuing operations with full support from the police as the search and recovery effort remains underway.

SBCA reveals Gul Plaza overcrowding and unauthorized construction

ARY News has obtained official construction and complex details of Gul Plaza from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA).

The building was originally constructed in 1980. After an 18-year gap, an additional floor was added in 1998. The roof was converted into a parking area, while shops were illegally built in the original parking zone. Despite these unauthorized changes, the added floor was eventually regularized, and the owner received a completion certificate on April 14, 2003.

However, the official building permit allowed only four floors, including the basement, and 1,021 shops. In reality, 1,200 shops were built, meaning 179 more shops exist than were approved.

The SBCA further noted that Gul Plaza had become severely congested, with shops constructed along internal pathways and near exit points, significantly obstructing foot traffic and emergency access.

CM announces Rs 10 million compensation for victims’ families

Sindh government on Monday announced financial assistance of Rs10 million for the families of those who lost their lives in the Gul Plaza fire incident.

Speaking to the media after a special meeting on the Gul Plaza fire, Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah said the disbursement of compensation to the bereaved families would begin from tomorrow.

He described the Gul Plaza fire as a major incident, stating that firefighters and rescue personnel were attempting to access the building from three different points.

According to the chief minister, the death toll has risen to 15, while 65 people remain missing. He said efforts were under way to trace the missing individuals.

Gul Plaza fire: Death toll rises to 17 as more bodies recovered

Death toll in Karachi’s Gul Plaza fire has jumped to 17 as the rescue workers recovered another body from the burnt structure after 34 hours of operation.

A massive fire that broke out at Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road has turned into a major emergency. Firefighters battled the blaze while police, Rangers and rescue teams remain on the ground as authorities work to control the situation and account for the missing.

Gul Plaza fire brought under control after 34 hours, says chief fire officer

Chief Fire Officer Muhammad Humayun Khan said that the Gul Plaza fire was brought under control after 34 hours, while cooling operations are still underway.

He added that the prolonged blaze has resulted in several tragic losses, with 14 people confirmed dead and the whereabouts of 59 others still unknown, raising fears that they may have perished in the fire.

By 8am on Monday, the fire at the major commercial centre on M.A. Jinnah Road had still not been fully extinguished. Flames were visible on the ground floor at the rear of the plaza, while fire was also reported on the second floor.

WMO President Salman Iqbal calls for immediate relief for Gul Plaza fire-hit traders

President of the World Memon Organisation (WHO), Salman Iqbal, expressed profound grief and sorrow over the devastating fire at Gul Plaza, lamenting the loss of precious lives and the continued disappearance of several individuals.

In his statement, Salman Iqbal said serious concerns have been raised by traders regarding the delayed arrival of fire tenders at the scene. According to the traders, rescue operations were severely hampered due to an acute shortage of water.

He described the incident as a horrific tragedy that has upended the lives of thousands of traders and labourers, noting that a large number of those affected belong to the Memon community.

He stated that years of hard work and lifetime savings of Gul Plaza traders were reduced to ashes, leaving hundreds of families under severe financial and psychological distress.

Gul Plaza fire: Business community announces three-day mourning

The President of the All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran Sindh (APATS), Javed Qureshi, announced a three-day mourning period following the devastating human and financial losses in the horrific Gul Plaza fire.

The APATS President appealed to the federal and provincial governments to show generosity in their response to the inferno.

He also expressed deep grief over the death of a firefighter who lost his life during the rescue and firefighting operation.

Meanwhile, business community leader Jamil Paracha has demanded that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah provide redress for the losses suffered by traders and the families of the deceased.

Army and FWO Step in to clear debris

Rescue operations at Gul Plaza remain underway as the Pakistan Army and Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) have joined the emergency response, deploying heavy machinery and specialised teams to assist in the search and recovery efforts.

According to officials, Army units and FWO machinery have been brought in to clear debris and reach areas that remain inaccessible following the massive fire. A special engineering team has also been placed on standby to support structural assessment and safe entry into the damaged building.

Authorities said the Army is providing full support to ensure trapped persons are rescued as quickly and safely as possible, while coordination continues between civil administration, rescue services and security agencies.

The operation continues amid fears that several people may still be trapped inside the building.

Search operation begins inside Gul Plaza

Search and rescue operations was launched inside the fire-ravaged Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road after a devastating blaze tore through the commercial building.

Rescue 1122 volunteers have entered the structure and begun searching the burnt sections of the plaza, while teams are focusing on the shops at the front of the building, where heavy damage has been reported.

Authorities say the operation is being carried out with extreme caution due to the fragile condition of the building, as fears remain that people may still be trapped inside.

Rescue officials confirmed that the search operation is ongoing and further updates will be shared as the operation progresses.

Mayor meets traders at DC Office 

Traders at Gul Plaza protested the delayed visit of Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, voicing anger over what they described as a lack of immediate official response following the massive fire that ravaged the market.

According to reports, some traders attempted to breach the gates of the Deputy Commissioner’s office in frustration, prompting authorities to deploy additional security personnel to maintain order.

During his visit, the Mayor called in the market president and a few other representatives to discuss the ongoing relief and support measures. He also reprimanded relevant officials for any lapses in the emergency response to the fire.

The traders raised slogans against the administration, expressing dissatisfaction with the delay in both relief efforts and official visits to the devastated market.

Fire department details challenges battling massive blaze

The massive fire that tore through Gul Plaza Shopping Centre has been described by fire department officials as unprecedented in scale, with flames erupting simultaneously across multiple areas of the market. The blaze, which affected over 1,500 shops across approximately 1.75 acres, posed extraordinary challenges for firefighters attempting to contain it.

Officials revealed that the fire alert was received at 10:26 pm on Saturday, and fire tenders reached the scene within minutes. Due to the fire’s intensity, all city fire stations were mobilized, with additional personnel called in to assist. However, firefighters faced difficulties navigating the market as emergency access routes were blocked and large crowds hampered operations, despite a sufficient supply of water.

Tragically, one firefighter lost his life while battling the blaze. The Chief Fire Officer said the fire was unlike anything the city had witnessed before, with flames spreading to multiple sections of the plaza at the same time.

Regarding the cause, authorities said it remains under investigation. Preliminary indications suggest that a short circuit or a simultaneous double-phase electricity surge could have triggered the fire, but no definitive conclusion has yet been reached.

Fire department officials emphasized that rescue operations remain ongoing and that every effort is being made to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of personnel on the ground.

CM Sindh speaks on casualties, missing persons, relief

A massive fire at Gul Plaza Shopping Centre on MA Jinnah Road has left at least six dead, including a firefighter, 22 injured, and over 60 people reported missing, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah confirmed on Sunday.

The blaze, which broke out after 10:00 pm on Saturday, affected a major commercial hub with more than 1,000 shops attracting shoppers from across Karachi.

The first fire tender reached the scene at 10:27 pm, and operations involved the Fire Brigade, Pakistan Navy, and rescue teams, CM Shah said.

“Our main effort is to ensure that all missing people are found,” he said, adding that firefighters faced challenges accessing certain areas inside the building.

CM Shah confirmed that relief will be provided to affected families and that authorities are working to support small traders who suffered losses. Investigations will be conducted if the fire brigade response was delayed or any negligence is found.

“We pray that all missing individuals are found safely,” the Chief Minister added, expressing solidarity with families who lost loved ones.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities continue to coordinate rescue efforts at the site.

Fire largely contained as rescue operation continues

As per the latest updates, Firefighters have brought 60 to 70 per cent of the blaze at Gul Plaza under control, while search and rescue operations continue amid fears that several people remain trapped under the rubble, South DIG Police said on Sunday.

According to the DIG South, Gul Plaza housed around 1,200 shops and a portion of the building has collapsed. So far, reports of 38 missing persons have been received, and authorities are collecting detailed information to trace them.

He confirmed that six bodies have been recovered and handed over to the families, while 22 injured people are under treatment. A rescue worker, Farqan, is among those who lost their lives in the operation.

On the instructions of the Sindh government, the South Zone police have set up a helpline for families of the affected, while additional police contingents have been deployed around the site. Routes for rescue teams have been cleared to ensure uninterrupted emergency operations.

Official missing persons list and helpline

Authorities have released a preliminary list of 40 missing individuals, including men, women, and children.

The Deputy Commissioner South has set up a dedicated missing persons desk, and families can submit details of missing relatives.

The Chief Minister of Sindh, Murad Ali Shah, has instructed authorities to trace and rescue all missing individuals.

Helpline Numbers:

• 021-99206372 / 021-99205625

• 021-99205670 / 0313-5048048

• 021-99201196 / 021-99205691

Authorities urge the public to report missing persons or provide any relevant information through these helplines.

CPLC sets up help desk for victim identification

Earlier, the CPLC Shanakht Programme established a help desk to assist families searching for their missing loved ones following the Gul Plaza tragedy.

The Shanakht team set up a camp outside the Civil Hospital Trauma Centre, where relatives can provide details of missing persons. The programme specializes in the accurate identification of victims in major incidents and in tracing next of kin.

Project in-charge Aamir Hassan said there are still concerns that several people may be trapped under the debris and inside the damaged structure. So far, the families of six missing persons have contacted the help desk and submitted their details.

He added that unidentified bodies can be matched with families using DNA testing, which will help ensure proper identification and closure for the affected families.

Traders appeal

President of the Gul Plaza Traders Association, Tanveer Qasim, broke down in tears during a media interaction, stating that an estimated 80 to 100 people could still be inside the building.

He said fire brigade teams were repeatedly running out of water and diesel, adding that desperate calls for help were being received from people trapped inside the market. “We appeal to the government to rescue those inside immediately,” he said.

“We are not concerned about our goods. Our only plea is to save the lives of the shopkeepers trapped inside. The traders have already been destroyed financially — please bring the people out alive.”

Tanveer Qasim said that water shortages severely hampered firefighting efforts, and that the traders witnessed everything being destroyed before their eyes.

Questioning the authorities, he asked what the government was doing as one of the city’s major tax-paying markets was reduced to ruins. He claimed that traders themselves had rescued between 200 and 250 people.

Portion of building collapses

A devastating fire that broke out at around 10pm last night at the commercial centre Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road could not be brought under control, resulting in the collapse of the back portion of the building.

Rescue operations are continuing at Gul Plaza, though the collapse has raised fears that rescue personnel may be trapped under the debris.

The Chief Fire Officer confirmed that one firefighter has been buried under rubble following the partial collapse.

Victims identified

The identities of those killed and injured in the fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi have been confirmed.

According to rescue officials, the deceased have been identified as Kashif, Faraz, Aamir, Wazir and Furqan.

Those injured in the incident include Hamza, Abdullah, Ayan, Haseeb, Daniyal, Sadiq, Rahim, Usman, Fahad, Zain and Muhammad Hanif.

Chief fire officer

The Chief Fire Officer confirmed that the blaze had been classified as a third-degree fire, prompting the mobilisation of fire tenders from across the city. Fire officials said at least eight fire tenders, one snorkel and a water bowser were being used to control the fire.

Rescue authorities said some people fell ill due to smoke inhalation, while others were injured during panic and stampede-like conditions. Efforts to evacuate those trapped inside the building are ongoing.

Fire officials warned that the blaze continues to spread, engulfing multiple shops, and due to its intensity, it cannot be brought under control immediately.

Sindh govt spokesperson

Sindh government spokesperson Saadia Javed said the rescue operation is being closely monitored and all available resources are being provided. She added that steps are being taken to ensure adequate water supply at the site and to bring the fire under control as soon as possible.

She further said surveys of old buildings in Karachi are underway, while fire safety measures are being enforced in newly constructed buildings.

An emergency has been declared at Civil Hospital, and the Chief Minister of Sindh and the Mayor of Karachi are continuously monitoring the situation.

Police operation with rescue team

Police officials stated that Gul Plaza consists of four floors, housing more than 400 shops.A police contingent is conducting a joint operation with rescue teams, officials added.

They further noted that the crowd has been moved back, away from the building.

Sindh Rangers join rescue work

Rangers contingents have arrived at Gul Plaza on the instructions of the Director General (DG) Rangers Sindh, a spokesperson confirmed.

Sindh Rangers personnel have joined the rescue effort and are working alongside the fire brigade.

Rangers officers and personnel will remain on-site until the rescue operation is completed, the spokesperson added.