Fire Safety Concerns Resurface After Deadly Blaze at Karachi’s Gul Plaza

KARACHI: The devastating fire at Gul Plaza has once again highlighted serious fire safety concerns in Karachi’s ageing commercial buildings, as authorities struggle to manage a tragedy that claimed at least six lives and left more than 50 people missing.

The blaze erupted late Saturday night at the shopping mall on M.A. Jinnah Road and spread rapidly due to congested layouts, combustible materials and outdated infrastructure. Firefighters battled the flames for more than 24 hours before bringing the fire under control on Sunday evening.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said initial information suggested the fire may have been caused by a short circuit, though investigations were still underway. He acknowledged that many older buildings in the city lack proper fire exits, alarms and internal firefighting equipment.

Rescue officials said flammable goods such as fabrics, perfumes and plastic items intensified the blaze. Structural damage caused parts of the building to collapse, forcing rescuers to delay search operations until conditions were safer.

You May Also Like: Discos seek to recover additional Rs4bn through December fuel charges

Firefighter Furqan Shaukat lost his life during the operation, drawing tributes from President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The president directed that the fallen firefighter be nominated for a civil award.

Authorities confirmed six deaths and 22 injuries, while families continued to search for over 50 missing persons. Multiple helplines were established to assist affected families.

Gul Plaza has witnessed fires in the past, including incidents in 2008 and 2016, both reportedly caused by electrical faults. Experts say such recurring incidents reflect weak enforcement of safety regulations, faulty wiring and unregulated commercial expansion.

Following the incident, CM Murad ordered a fire safety audit of commercial buildings across Karachi and instructed officials to take action against negligence. The Sindh Assembly had earlier called for modernisation of the city’s firefighting system, but experts warn that without strict implementation, similar tragedies remain likely.

The incident has renewed calls for urgent reforms to improve fire preparedness and protect lives and livelihoods in Pakistan’s largest city.

Check out our latest video: