KARACHI: A devastating fire at Gul Plaza on Karachi’s busy MA Jinnah Road has claimed at least six lives, including a firefighter, as rescue and firefighting operations continue under extremely dangerous conditions.
The blaze erupted suddenly around 10:15pm on Saturday on the ground floor of the multi-storey shopping plaza and rapidly spread to the mezzanine and upper floors. Despite more than 13 hours of continuous efforts, the fire has yet to be fully extinguished, with thick smoke and intense heat hampering rescue work.
Rescue officials confirmed that multiple sections of the building collapsed during operations, significantly increasing risks for firefighters and trapped occupants. The body of a firefighter, identified as Furqan, was recovered from the rubble and shifted to the Civil Hospital Trauma Centre, raising the death toll to six. Authorities fear that more people may still be trapped inside.
More than 20 people sustained burn injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals. Hospital officials said several injured were treated and discharged after receiving medical aid, while bodies were brought to Civil Hospital and the Burns Ward.
Fire brigade officials said 20 fire tenders and four snorkels are engaged in firefighting, using both water and foam. Pakistan Navy fire tenders and around 70 personnel have also joined the operation, led by Captain Farhan Sheikh and Lieutenant Commander Iftikhar Ahmed. However, officials said extreme temperatures, dense smoke, lack of ventilation, and an unstable structure are preventing internal access.
Preliminary investigations suggest the fire started in a shop selling artificial flowers, where highly flammable materials allowed flames to spread rapidly. A suspected gas leakage and explosion further intensified the blaze. Gul Plaza housed around 1,200 shops, most of which—especially on the ground and mezzanine floors—have been completely gutted. Traders estimate losses worth billions of rupees, saying their lifetime savings were destroyed.
Rescue officials noted that prolonged exposure to fire has severely weakened the plaza’s pillars. The building, constructed before the creation of Pakistan, was already in a dilapidated condition, worsening the situation.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori visited the site and said over 100 people were feared trapped, including a seven-month pregnant woman. He confirmed that the Pakistan Navy, Rangers, and rescue agencies are jointly working to evacuate survivors.
Federal Health Minister Mustafa Kamal and Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab expressed deep grief over the tragedy and assured full medical care and support for the injured. Authorities said the exact cause of the fire and total losses will be determined once the blaze is completely brought under control and rescue operations conclude.