The Aryavarth Express
Karachi [Pakistan]: At least 26 people have been confirmed dead and as many as 81 others remain missing after a devastating fire engulfed Gul Plaza, a multi-storey commercial building on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi, according to ARY News. The blaze has left the structure severely damaged and unsafe, hampering rescue and recovery operations.
The fire broke out around 10:00 pm on January 17 and was brought under control after nearly 34 hours. Despite this, search operations continue amid concerns that the weakened building could collapse further. Rescue efforts are being carried out with extreme caution by teams supported by the Army, Rangers and civil administration, while engineers assess the structural stability.
DIG South confirmed that 26 bodies have been recovered so far. Six victims have been identified, while the remaining bodies will undergo DNA testing. Police initially reported 69 people missing, with 32 last known to be inside Gul Plaza. However, the missing persons desk at the Deputy Commissioner’s office later revised the number to 81, based on complaints filed by families.
DNA sampling has begun, with relatives of 18 victims already submitting samples to assist in identification. Authorities have sealed all entry points to Gul Plaza and the adjacent Rampa Plaza, allowing access only to authorised rescue personnel. The situation in the surrounding area has been brought under control.
Rescue teams are entering the fire-damaged building through rear access points, while heavy machinery is being deployed to remove debris and create safer routes for search operations. Officials have urged families of the missing to stay in touch with the Deputy Commissioner’s office helpline for updates.
Survivors have recounted harrowing experiences, highlighting serious safety lapses. One survivor, Zubair, claimed that although Gul Plaza has 26 gates, 24 were locked after 10 pm, leaving only two exits. Thick smoke and darkness, he said, made escape nearly impossible. Another shopkeeper alleged there were no emergency exits and that locked gates turned the building into a “death trap.”
Authorities revealed that Gul Plaza was originally built in 1980, with an additional floor added in 1998. Over the years, the rooftop was converted into a parking area and shops were allegedly constructed illegally in the original parking space. Although the additional floor was later regularised and a completion certificate issued in April 2003, questions remain over compliance with fire and safety regulations.
Meanwhile, the Sindh government has announced financial assistance of Rs 10 million for the families of those who lost their lives. Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said compensation would begin to be disbursed from Tuesday, calling the incident a major tragedy as rescue teams continue efforts to reach those still trapped.
