A massive fire at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road, Karachi has shaken the city. Authorities confirmed that the blaze, which erupted around 10:00 p.m. on January 17, was brought under control after 34 hours. However, the building remains structurally unstable and unsafe. Rescue teams, supported by the Army, Rangers, and civil administration, are continuing a cautious search for missing persons as engineers assess the weakened structure, amid mounting concerns over the risk of further collapse and as new details continue to emerge from the site.
According to an Edhi Foundation spokesperson, 23 individuals were rescued from the burning building and taken to Civil Hospital Karachi.
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Three of the injured later succumbed to their injuries during treatment, while the remaining victims are still receiving medical care. Hospital authorities stated that five of the injured are in critical condition.
Rescue operations were ongoing to evacuate anyone still trapped inside the building.
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This is a live blog, providing real-time updates as events unfold. We will keep you informed with the latest developments, key highlights, and any breaking news as it happens.
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Investigation team inspects interior of Gul Plaza building
The technical and investigation team probing the Gul Plaza tragedy inspected the building’s interior along with Deputy Commissioner South Nabi Khoso.
Members of the team reviewed the internal condition of the building and examined fire-damaged goods, walls, and shops to assess the extent of the destruction.
11:28 am -
Sindh to register terrorism FIR in Gul Plaza case
Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar said that, on the instructions of the Sindh Chief Minister, a terrorism FIR will be registered in the Gul Plaza incident, but some matters need to be clarified first.
He said that Additional Inspector General of Karachi Azad Khan has been given two to four key points to investigate.
The home minister added that an FIR will be registered within 24 hours in the name of the state.
Lanjar said the Sindh government stands with the victims of the Gul Plaza tragedy and assured that action will be taken against all those found responsible.
11:00 am -
Search operation nears completion at Gul Plaza, 10 to 11 still missing
Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso said that about 90 percent of the clearance work at Gul Plaza has been completed, while the search continues for 10 to 11 missing persons.
Police Surgeon Dr Samia Tariq said that 71 bodies and human remains have so far been recovered from the site. She added that the DNA identification process is complicated because the bodies were badly burned.
According to officials, the identities of 20 victims have been confirmed through physical identification, while 13 have been identified using DNA testing. Officials also said that the list of missing persons includes 82 names.
10:33 am -
Sharjeel Memon says Gul Plaza incident being politicized
Senior provincial minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said that some political parties are using the tragic Gul Plaza incident for political purposes instead of sharing the pain of the affected families.
He said the construction, approval, and legal matters of Gul Plaza were completed during periods when neither the Sindh government nor the Pakistan Peoples Party had any role.
According to Sharjeel Memon, approval for the building was granted in 1983 during the tenure of Mayor Abdul Sattar Afghani.
He added that the land was leased in 1884 for 99 years, and the lease expired in 1983.
He further said the lease was renewed eight years later, in 1991, when Dr Farooq Sattar was the mayor, and his signature is present on the documents.
The initial building plan allowed only a basement and two floors.
Sharjeel Memon said all irregularities related to Gul Plaza were formally regularized in 2003, when Naimatullah Khan was serving as Mayor of Karachi.
10:29 pm -
Dr Khalid Maqbool writes to PM, seeks high-level probe into Gul Plaza incident
MQM Pakistan chairman Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has written a letter to the Prime Minister of Pakistan, urging the formation of a high-level investigation commission under the Pakistan Commission of Inquiry Act to probe the Gul Plaza tragedy.
In his letter, Dr Siddiqui stated that even after seven days, several people remain missing, while families have yet to receive the bodies of their loved ones. He said more than 12,000 families were directly affected by the fire incident, which claimed over 100 lives and caused massive financial losses.
Dr Khalid held the Sindh government, provincial departments, and municipal authorities directly responsible for the incident. He said the Sindh government, the Mayor of Karachi, the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), the Karachi Development Authority (KDA), and other related provincial and city institutions showed criminal negligence.
He called on the federal government to establish an independent and transparent high-level body named the “Gul Plaza Tragedy Inquiry Commission” to uncover the facts and identify those responsible. He also proposed that professionals from institutions such as the FIA, NAB, NDMA, MI, ISI, the State Bank, and NESPAK be included in the commission.
10:15 pm -
Search operation nears completion, death toll hit 71
The search and rescue operation at Karachi’s Gul Plaza has entered its final stages as more human remains were recovered, raising the death toll to 71.
Rescue teams have been working at the site for seven days, while additional remains sent for DNA testing to Civil Hospital Karachi revealed a higher quantity during post-mortem examinations, leading to the revised casualty count.
3:17 pm -
Death toll reaches 67 as rescue and search operation continues
The rescue and search operation at Gul Plaza is ongoing as authorities continue efforts to recover victims and identify the deceased following the tragic incident.
Police Surgeon Dr Samia said the death toll has risen to 67. She confirmed that the identification process of the victims is underway, with 16 individuals already identified so far.
According to the police surgeon, six bodies were found intact, while one victim was identified through a national identity card.
She added that nine victims were identified through DNA testing.
Dr Samia further said that 45 DNA samples have been collected from bodies and different body parts recovered from the debris to help complete the identification process.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner South said that 77 people are still reported missing as the search operation continues at the site.
10:28 am -
Rescue operation enters final stage on seventh day
The rescue and search operation at Gul Plaza continued for the seventh consecutive day on Friday, with officials saying the process has entered its final stage and is expected to be completed today.
Deputy South Javed Nabi Khoso, while speaking to the media at the site, said teams are still searching through the debris but most of the work had been completed.
He added that the final list of missing persons stands at 77, while the death toll has reached 67.
Khoso said that if anyone believes a person is still missing, they should immediately contact the authorities so their details can be verified.
He also confirmed that the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) team is present at the site and all operations are being carried out under its supervision.
9:57 am -
Search, rescue operation at Gul Plaza will continue for next 48 hours: DG Rescue
The Sindh government has intensified rescue, relief, and safety review efforts following the deadly Gul Plaza fire in Karachi, as officials revealed alarming details about missing persons, blocked exits, and weak fire safety systems in the commercial building.
An emergency meeting on the Gul Plaza tragedy was chaired by Sindh Chief Minister’s Advisor on Rehabilitation, Gianchand Essrani, in Karachi.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Rehabilitation Nisar Ahmed Memon, Director General PDMA Salman Shah, and Director General Rescue 1122 Sindh Wajid Mehr.
8:07 pm -
Death Toll Rises to 62, Search and Identification Ongoing
The death toll in the Karachi Gul Plaza tragedy has risen to 62, confirmed Police Surgeon Dr. Samia Syed.
Post-mortem examinations of all 62 bodies and human remains recovered from the debris have been completed.
Authorities report that 77 people are still missing. Today, some bodies were handed over to their families following identification.
Rescue teams have recovered additional human remains from the rubble, collected in two bags and being transferred to the hospital for further examination.
7:10 pm -
Updated list of 77 missing displayed at DC South office
An updated list of missing persons linked to the Gul Plaza tragedy has been displayed at the Deputy Commissioner South office.
According to officials, the latest list contains the names of 77 missing individuals. Earlier, 88 names had been included, but those whose identities have now been confirmed have been removed from the list.
Authorities said that the bodies of some victims have already been handed over to their families. The updated list also includes contact numbers of the missing persons’ relatives to assist with identification and coordination.
5:33 pm -
Dr Samia Syed confirms 50 deaths as identification process continues
The death toll in the Karachi Gul Plaza incident has risen to 50, according to Police Surgeon Karachi Dr Samia Syed.
She confirmed that post-mortem examinations of 50 bodies and human remains recovered from the debris have been completed so far.
The examination of additional human remains brought in yesterday is still underway, while forensic and DNA analysis of recovered remains continues at the Sindh Forensic DNA Laboratory.
Authorities have so far completed the identification of eight bodies through DNA testing, bringing the total number of identified victims to 15.
3:17 pm -
55–60 bodies recovered from Gul Plaza, 48 post-mortems completed: DC South
Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khosa has confirmed that 55–60 bodies have been recovered so far from the Gul Plaza incident. Post-mortems have been completed for 48 victims, and DNA testing has identified 8 more individuals, bringing the total identified to 14.
He urged the public not to believe social media rumors, adding that nearly 80 lives are believed to have been lost. Investigations into the tragedy are ongoing.
10:30 pm -
Rescue Operations Intensify After Gul Plaza Fire
Rescue teams at Gul Plaza are working at full speed as authorities assess the damaged building.
DC South confirmed body identification is ongoing, and SBCA may demolish the unstable structure after debris removal.
Nearby shops remain closed to manage crowds while investigations continue.
8:34 pm -
No DNA samples can be taken from recovered bodies: Dr. Samia
The death toll from the devastating Gul Plaza fire in Karachi has risen sharply to 61, as authorities revealed that DNA testing of several recovered remains is not possible due to their severely damaged condition.
Police Surgeon Karachi Dr. Samia confirmed on Wednesday that DNA samples cannot be obtained from remains recovered from two shops inside the fire-hit Gul Plaza.
She said that what is now being retrieved from the debris are not intact bodies but badly damaged human remains, including broken bones and teeth, making forensic identification extremely difficult.
According to Dr Samia, a total of 21 sets of remains have so far been brought from two shops, but it cannot yet be determined how many individuals these remains belong to.
“At this stage, we cannot confirm whether these are 21 bodies or parts of a larger number of victims,” she said, adding that the condition of the remains poses serious challenges in handing them over to heirs.
7:23 pm -
30 More Dead Bodies Found,Toll Reaches 63
Rescue teams recovered 30 decomposed bodies from shop number 144 on the mezzanine floor of Gul Plaza, raising the death toll to 63.
The remains have been transferred to Civil Hospital for identification.
Dr. Summaiya, the police surgeon, has urged victims’ families to submit DNA samples to help with the identification process.
5:14 pm -
SBCA rejects claims of missing Gul Plaza records
The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has strongly rejected media reports claiming that official records of Karachi’s Gul Plaza building are missing or unavailable, calling such reports baseless and contrary to facts.
In an official clarification issued after the deadly Gul Plaza fire, the SBCA stated that all approved and legal records related to the commercial building are fully preserved and available with the authority.
4:46 pm -
SBCA Declares Gul Plaza Structurally Unsafe
Karachi’s Gul Plaza, devastated by a massive fire on January 17, remains structurally fragile as rescue operations enter a critical phase.
A team from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) has inspected the site, allowing rescue workers to enter under strict safety measures.
Authorities warned that the remaining structure is dangerous and may need demolition after search efforts conclude.
Despite lingering smoke and unstable pillars, beams, and walls, rescue teams—supported by the Army, Rangers, and civil administration—continue to search for missing persons while engineers monitor the building’s stability.
4:37 pm -
Gul plaza fire exposes failure of urban governance: Khawaja Asif
Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif has said the Gul Plaza fire tragedy exposed serious failures in urban governance and highlighted the urgent need for an empowered local government system across Pakistan.
Speaking in the National Assembly during a discussion on the Karachi fire incident, Khawaja Asif said no words were sufficient to describe the pain caused by the loss of precious human lives.
4:28 pm -
“Bodies reduced to ashes,” rescue official
Horrifying details emerged in Karachi’s Gul Plaza fire tragedy as rescue workers disclosed that several bodies were reduced to ashes and left beyond recognition.
Speaking to local media, a representative of a social welfare rescue organisation shared grim firsthand accounts from inside the fire-hit building.
He said that many victims were found in an advanced stage of decomposition after the blaze was brought partially under control.
2:51 pm -
Rescue Operation Continues for Third Day After Gul Plaza Fire
Rescue and search operations are ongoing for the third consecutive day following the devastating fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi.
Rescue teams have gained access to most parts of the burned building, where search and rescue activities and debris removal are underway.
Authorities have displayed a list of missing persons at the Deputy Commissioner South office, with the number of missing rising to 83 after the addition of 12 more names.
Of the 26 fatalities reported so far, 18 victims have been identified. Meanwhile, a meeting of the investigation committee has been convened today to conduct a detailed review of the data collected regarding the incident.
1:50 pm -
Gul Plaza Tragedy Death Toll Rises to 26
The death toll in the Gul Plaza incident has climbed to 26, while the number of missing persons has reached 76, according to the Sindh government’s help desk.
Authorities have added three more individuals to the missing list. Police confirmed the identification of another body recovered from Gul Plaza as Tanveer Ahmed Khan, son of Abul Kalam, a resident of Korangi No. 4 who worked as a salesman at the plaza.
Officials said his name was already on the missing persons list and was confirmed through his identity card. So far, seven missing individuals have been identified.
9:38 pm -
Fire Safety Audit Flags Major Risks 235 Buildings in Karachi
Serious flaws in fire safety arrangements across Karachi’s major commercial and high-rise buildings have raised alarm, with officials warning that more deadly incidents could occur if urgent action is not taken.
According to media reports, citing fire safety audit report, hundreds of buildings in Karachi lack basic fire prevention and emergency response measures.
The report, prepared by the Fire Brigade Department and Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC), highlights widespread non-compliance with standard fire safety regulations in shopping malls, business centres, and high-rise structures.
9:06 pm -
Constitutional Petition Filed in Sindh High Court Over Gul Plaza Tragedy
Social activist Barrister Hassan Khan has filed a constitutional petition in the Sindh High Court regarding the Gul Plaza tragedy, naming the Sindh government, Karachi Commissioner, KMC, SBCA and others as respondents, and has also issued legal notices.
The petition calls for a judicial inquiry and formation of a JIT into the incident, verification of records of all buildings in Karachi, provision of alternative accommodation to affected people, suspension of concerned officials until the case concludes, and an audit of all commercial buildings.
7:49 pm -
Death Toll Rises to 23 as Search Continues
DIG South confirmed that 23 bodies have been recovered from Gul Plaza, with six identified so far and the rest slated for DNA testing.
A total of 69 people remain missing, with 32 last traced to the building. The DIG said the situation around Gul Plaza and Rampa Plaza is under control, with all entry points secured.
Only authorized rescue personnel are allowed inside, as police and rescue agencies continue search and recovery operations.
6:07 pm -
Voices Heard Inside Gul Plaza as Death Toll Rises over 19
Family members of missing persons outside Karachi’s Gul Plaza are distraught as cries for help continue to come from inside the building.
One relative pleaded for rescuers to allow access, saying, “If you cannot help, please step back and let us in.” Survivors report that some people remain inside the mosque area of the plaza.
The fire, which broke out on Saturday, has now been brought under control, but the death toll has risen above 19, with several individuals still missing.
4:23 pm -
Sindh Govt pledges Rs 10 mln to victims’ families
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has announced a compensation of Rs10 million (one crore rupees) for the families of each person who lost their life in the tragic Gul Plaza fire in Karachi.
The announcement was made during a press conference at the Chief Minister House, as rescue and relief efforts continue following the deadly incident.
The chief minister said the compensation process will begin from tomorrow, adding that the Sindh government stands with the victims and their families.
3:36 pm -
Gul Plaza Fire: 73 still missing as authorities release names
Authorities in Karachi have released an official list of missing persons as the rescue operation underway at Gul Plaza, Karachi.
According to the official data, the list of missing persons includes men, women, and children aged between 10 and 69 years, who could not be traced after the fire incident.
2:43 pm -
Karachi Gul Plaza Fire Extinguished, Death Toll Rises to 14
DIG South Asad Raza said the fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza has been completely extinguished, while the death toll has risen to 14.
Rescue officials reported that body parts of three people, including a child, were recovered during the search operation, and five bodies are beyond identification.
According to the Chief Fire Officer, cooling operations are ongoing, windows are being cut using cutters and parts of walls are being demolished with hammers.
He added that the building is extremely dangerous, and rescue teams can only enter briefly at safer points before exiting due to the risk of collapse.
1:57 pm -
Karachi Gul Plaza Fire Death Toll Rises to 14
Rescue operations are still underway following the devastating fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi. Chief Fire Officer Muhammad Humayun said that 90 percent of the fire has been brought under control, while around 10 percent of the blaze continues to burn in materials inside the building.
DIG South Asad Raza confirmed that the death toll from the incident has risen to 14. He added that eight of the bodies recovered from Gul Plaza are unidentifiable due to the severity of the fire.
Authorities and rescue teams remain at the site as cooling and search operations continue, while efforts are being made to document the victims and assess the full scale of the damage.
10:02 am -
Army, FWO Join Efforts to Clear Gul Plaza Debris
Rescue operations at Gul Plaza are intensifying as the Pakistan Army and Frontier Works Organisation (FWO) step in to assist with debris clearance and recovery efforts. Heavy machinery and specialised teams have been deployed to access areas still blocked after the devastating fire.
Officials said a special engineering team is on standby to assess structural safety and ensure secure entry into the damaged building. Coordination between civil administration, rescue services, and security agencies is ongoing, as authorities continue the search amid fears that some people may still be trapped inside.
1:18 am -
Business Community Announces Three-Day Mourning
The business community in Karachi has announced a three-day mourning period following the devastating Gul Plaza fire, which caused massive human and financial losses and left hundreds of families affected.
Traders have expressed deep grief over the tragedy and demanded immediate relief, accountability, and reconstruction of the businesses affected.1:10 am -
Search Operation Underway Inside Gul Plaza
Search and rescue operations have begun inside the fire-ravaged Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road, where a massive blaze caused extensive damage to the commercial building. Rescue 1122 volunteers have entered the structure and are carefully searching the affected areas.
Officials said teams are focusing on the front portion of the plaza, where several shops were badly damaged, while exercising extreme caution due to the building’s fragile condition. Authorities fear that people may still be trapped inside and have said further updates will be shared as the operation continues.
11:44 pm -
Karachi Traders Announce Day of Mourning After Gul Plaza Tragedy
The trader community in Karachi has announced a day of mourning on Saturday over the Gul Plaza tragedy. Chairman of the All Karachi Traders Alliance, Atiq Mir, said that traders suffered irreparable losses due to the delayed arrival of the fire brigade and administrative negligence.
He stated that an estimated Rs 3 to 5 billion would be required to rehabilitate the market, and demanded that the government immediately provide financial assistance to help affected traders get back on their feet.
11:44 pm -
Mayor Meets Traders at DC Office
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab met traders at the Deputy Commissioner’s office following protests by shopkeepers at Gul Plaza over delays in official response after the massive market fire.
Angry traders attempted to push past the DC office gates, prompting authorities to deploy additional security to prevent any untoward situation.
During the visit, the mayor summoned the market president and selected representatives to discuss relief and rehabilitation measures, while also reprimanding concerned officials over shortcomings in the emergency response.
Traders continued chanting slogans against the Mayor Karachi, voicing frustration over delayed relief efforts and late official outreach.
11:42 pm -
“Fire could continue for another two to three days” Faisal Edhi on Gul Plaza Fire
Speaking to the media outside Gul Plaza, Faisal Edhi said that six bodies have so far been recovered from the building, while more than 20 people have been injured in the fire. He warned that, given the condition of the structure, the blaze could continue for another two to three days.
Edhi added that until the fire is completely brought under control, nothing can be confirmed about the people who may still be inside. He stressed that the building has become extremely dangerous, making it unsafe for rescue workers to enter at this stage.
8:53 pm -
“Everything Is Gone”: Woman Shares Pain After Gul Plaza Fire
A woman broke down in tears while describing the devastation caused by the Gul Plaza fire, which has so far claimed six lives and injured 22 others.
She said her son-in-law informed the family that their shop was completely destroyed in the blaze, prompting her husband to rush to the scene.
She described the loss as a shattering blow, saying the shop was the family’s only source of income.
“Losing your only asset for meeting daily expenses in the country’s current economic climate is a massive blow,” she said, adding that her son-in-law remains deeply distressed by the tragedy.
8:15 pm -
Our Priority Is to Find All Missing People: CM Sindh
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said the deadly fire at Gul Plaza Shopping Centre on M.A. Jinnah Road has left at least six people dead, including a firefighter, 22 injured, and more than 60 individuals reported missing.
The blaze erupted after 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, impacting a major commercial hub with over 1,000 shops. The first fire tender reached the site at 10:27 p.m., with firefighting and rescue operations involving the Fire Brigade, Pakistan Navy, and rescue teams.
The Chief Minister said efforts are focused on locating missing persons, though firefighters faced difficulties accessing certain parts of the building.
He assured that relief will be provided to affected families and traders, and added that an investigation will be conducted to determine any delay or negligence.
Expressing solidarity with the victims’ families, CM Shah said authorities continue to coordinate rescue operations while the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
7:37 pm -
Karachi Gul Plaza Fire: Authorities release list of missing, injured persons
Authorities in Karachi have released an official list of missing and injured persons as the rescue operation underway at Gul Plaza, Karachi.
According to the official data, the list of missing persons includes men, women, and children aged between 10 and 69 years, who could not be traced after the fire incident.
6:30 pm -
Wedding shopping turns nightmare: Six family members missing in Gul Plaza fire
At least six members of a single family, including women and children, are still missing after the deadly Gul Plaza fire in Karachi, deepening the tragedy as families continue to search for their loved ones amid fear and uncertainty.
5:50 pm -
Authorities Release List of Missing Persons After Gul Plaza Fire
Authorities have released the names of individuals reported missing following the Gul Plaza fire in Karachi. The list includes men, women, and children, ranging in age from 10 to 69 years, who were unaccounted for after the blaze.
The missing persons include:
Sheikh Salman age 45, Umar Nabeeel age 42, Dr Ayesha Umar age 32, Ali S/O Umar age 10, Salman age 17, Hassan age 15, Churchill age 26, Sufyan age 15, Abdullah age 18, Hamza age 12, Tanveer age 45, Kainat age 22, Raheela age 35, Shaista age 28, Ashar age 11, Anas Imran age 26, M Shees age 26, M Naveed age 30, Adnan S/O M Hanif age 28, M Kamran age 32, Ghufran Ahmed age 69, Yaseen age 15, Naimat age 24, Sadaqat age 22, M Yousuf S/O Amir age 15, Abdullah age 16, M Ali Ghanchi age 55, Sarfaraz age 45, Faisal age 40, Asif age 40, Saad age 32, Islamul Haq age 40, and M Arif S/O Hammad age 28.
4:02 pm -
Karachi fire dept submits report on Gul Plaza fire as rescue operation underway
The Karachi Chief Fire Officer has submitted a report on the Gul Plaza fire, which was first reported at 10:26 pm, January 17, according to the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation spokesperson.
Two fire tenders were immediately dispatched from Central and Saddar Fire Stations, reaching the site within minutes.
As the flames intensified, additional personnel and fire vehicles from 16 city fire stations were called in.
Water Board teams also arrived with tankers and necessary staff to support firefighting efforts.
Despite the challenging conditions, firefighters worked tirelessly to control the blaze, during which Firefighter Farqan lost his life.
The operation faced difficulties due to crowds and heavy traffic, but rescue efforts are ongoing.
Authorities stated that full details of losses and casualties will be released once the operation concludes.
3:42 pm -
Commissioner Karachi, DC South submits report to CM Sindh
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah was briefed by the Karachi Commissioner and DC South on the Gul Plaza fire, which broke out between 9:45 and 10:15 p.m. The blaze destroyed over 1,200 shops. Firefighters managed to bring 60–70% of the fire under control, and all injured (22 people) were shifted to Civil Hospital Karachi’s Burns Ward.
3:30 pm -
Four Family Members Missing After Gul Plaza Fire in Karachi
Four people, including women, have reportedly gone missing after a third-degree fire engulfed Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road, Karachi. According to relatives, the family had visited the market to buy items ahead of a wedding, but contact with them was lost late last night.
An uncle and aunt searching for the missing family members confirmed that all four unaccounted individuals belong to the same family. Relatives gathered outside the fire-hit building are anxiously awaiting updates.
2:13 pm -
“Fire Largely Under Control, Full Inquiry Underway”: Sharjeel Inam Memon
Senior PPP Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon stated that the fire at Gul Plaza has been largely brought under control, with the cooling process still ongoing. He emphasized that the government will not be satisfied until 100% cooling is complete. A fact-finding report will be prepared to determine the next steps, and a full inquiry is underway to identify the cause of the fire.
Minister Memon noted that Gul Plaza is an old building, and the final cause of the blaze will only be revealed after the investigation. He added that all relevant authorities are closely monitoring the situation, and once the full extent of damage is assessed, the government will decide on the future course of action.
2:12 pm -
Authorities Fear More Trapped in Gul Plaza Fire
Sindh Minister Saeed Ghani said that Karachi has witnessed multiple fire incidents in recent years. So far, six people have died in the Gul Plaza blaze. The worrying fact is that several individuals may still be trapped inside, with their families anxiously waiting outside.
The building houses over 1,200 shops. Authorities made every effort to control the fire promptly, and many people have been evacuated, but some may still be inside.
The minister urged citizens to cooperate with authorities, ensure firefighting arrangements in their buildings, and make certain that exit routes are always included to prevent future tragedies.
2:08 pm -
Firefighters Continue Rescue at Gul Plaza, 2,000 Shops Affected, says DC
Deputy Commissioner South, Javed Nabi Khoso, said firefighting and rescue operations are ongoing at Gul Plaza, one of Karachi’s largest shopping centres.
He added that the building is expected to be cleared within two to four hours.
Firefighters are working to save people still trapped inside, with many approaching officials pleading for help. The building houses around 2,000 shops, and some of the deceased and injured have been identified.
2:02 pm -
Sindh Govt Issues Helpline After Gul Plaza Fire
In view of the fire incident at Gul Plaza, the Sindh government has issued a helpline to facilitate the public. Any information related to the Gul Plaza fire or reports of missing persons can be shared with the Deputy Commissioner South on the following numbers: 0313-5048048, 021-99206372, and 021-99205625. The public has also been advised to provide details of missing individuals using the same contact numbers.
1:34 pm -
Six dead, 20 injured as major fire engulfs Karachi's Gul Plaza
The death toll from the deadly fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza rose to six on Sunday after a firefighter lost his life during the rescue operation, ARY News reported.
The massive blaze erupted late Saturday night around 10 p.m. in shops located inside Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road. Authorities have declared the incident a third-degree fire.
Officials said the condition of 11 injured people remains critical. Among the deceased are Aamir (30), Faraz (55), and Asif (40), while the identities of the remaining victims are yet to be confirmed.
11:00 am -
Several Missing After Gul Plaza Fire in Karachi
Following the fire at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road in Karachi last night, multiple people are still reported missing. Families of the missing have been searching for their loved ones at various hospitals. They stated that they were in contact with some relatives until last night, but their phones are now unreachable.
A large number of family members have gathered outside the Burns Center at Civil Hospital, fearing that several individuals may still be trapped inside the building. Hours after the fire began, it has still not been fully brought under control, and the intensity of the flames has caused parts of Gul Plaza to collapse.
10:00 am -
President Asif Ali Zardari Expresses Deep Grief Over Gul Plaza Fire
President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, has expressed profound sorrow over the tragic fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi. Condoling the loss of precious lives, he extended heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved families.
The President directed the Sindh government and relevant authorities to provide immediate and full support to the affected individuals and traders. He emphasized that the injured must be given the best possible medical care. He prayed for the swift recovery of the wounded and for patience and strength for the families affected by this tragedy.
9:00 am -
Gul Plaza Traders Reports Huge Losses, Cites Slow Fire Response as Cause
Speaking to the media, Tanveer Pasta, president of the Gul Plaza Traders Association, stated that the building houses 1,200 shops and the fire has caused losses worth billions of rupees. He said the blaze started at a shop selling artificial flowers and quickly spread.
He criticized the delayed response of the fire brigade, which arrived an hour and a half after being informed, adding that traders initially tried to control the fire themselves but were unable to stop it. Due to the intensity of the flames, firefighters could not enter the building, and even upon arrival, they faced problems such as water shortages and other operational issues. Tanveer emphasized that timely action by the fire brigade could have prevented the fire from spreading so rapidly.
8:00 am -
Sindh CM Orders Inquiry Into Gul Plaza Fire
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has taken notice of the fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi’s Saddar area and directed the Karachi Commissioner to conduct an immediate inquiry. Expressing deep sorrow over the loss of lives, the CM ordered a detailed report on the causes of the incident.
He instructed authorities to inspect fire safety arrangements in the building and ensure strict enforcement of fire safety regulations, warning that any negligence or carelessness will result in action against those responsible. The Chief Minister also directed that the injured be provided with the best medical care and called for an immediate fire safety audit of all commercial buildings in Karachi to prevent similar incidents in the future.
7:00 am -
Sindh Governor Visits Gul Plaza Fire Site
Sindh Governor Kamran Khan Tessori visited the site of the fire at Gul Plaza and expressed solidarity with the affected traders. On his directives, a Navy snorkel and two fire tenders were dispatched to assist firefighting efforts at the scene. The governor also issued instructions for compensation and rehabilitation of losses. Meanwhile, two more bodies were recovered from the building, raising the death toll to five.
6:00 am -
Risk of Collapse as Firefighting Continues at Gul Plaza
Speaking to a private TV channel, DIG South said that cracks have started appearing in the Gul Plaza building on M.A. Jinnah Road, Karachi, posing a serious risk of collapse. He urged citizens to exercise caution and stay away from the area. The official added that around 50 percent of the fire has been brought under control and firefighters expect to fully extinguish the blaze within the next three to four hours.
5:00 am -
“Fire intensified rapidly,” says Chief Fire Officer
Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan said the fire spread rapidly, eventually engulfing the entire building. He added that twelve fire engines and two snorkels are currently involved in efforts to extinguish the blaze.
The Chief Fire Officer pointed out major challenges faced during the operation, particularly a severe shortage of water. He also noted that additional fire brigade vehicles sent for assistance were delayed due to heavy traffic congestion in the area.
He stated that had the vehicles reached the site earlier, firefighters might have been able to prevent the fire from spreading further.
4:00 am
