At least 18 people, including men, women and children, have been reported missing following the deadly blaze that devastated Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road in Karachi.
According to officials, families are approaching the district administration to register details of relatives who remain unaccounted for after the fire. Authorities fear that some individuals may still be trapped beneath debris inside the damaged structure.
The Sindh administration has directed fire brigade teams to intensify search operations to trace anyone who may be buried in the rubble. Rescue and recovery efforts remain underway as officials work to establish the whereabouts of the missing persons.
Shattered to see what happened at Gul Plaza. This isn’t just a random market, anyone who lives in Karachi knows what Gul Plaza means. It is one of the city's biggest wholesale and retail hubs, dealing in home decor, toys, luggage, crockery, appliances and electronics worth… pic.twitter.com/aO28SAHHNS
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) January 18, 2026Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has personally contacted the Karachi commissioner and the South district deputy commissioner, instructing them to ensure that all missing individuals are located and properly accounted for.
Read: Deadly Fire at Gul Plaza Karachi Kills Five, Over 20 Injured
To assist affected families, the Sindh government has activated emergency helplines to address public inquiries regarding the Gul Plaza fire. The South Zone Police have also set up a dedicated helpline at the directives of provincial authorities.
Video shows firefighters battling a deadly blaze at a shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan. A fire tore through the multi-storey Gul Plaza on Saturday night, killing at least five people and injuring dozens. Authorities say the cause remains under investigation. pic.twitter.com/kknaWsehXm
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) January 18, 2026Citizens can report missing persons or share any information related to the incident by contacting the Deputy Commissioner South’s office at 0313-5048048, 021-99206372, or 021-99205625.
In addition, South Zone Police have urged the public to immediately provide any relevant information regarding victims or missing individuals by calling 021-99205670, 021-99201196, or 021-99205691.
DIG South has assured the public that all information received through these helplines will be acted upon promptly as search and investigation efforts continue.
