At least five people lost their lives, and more than 20 others sustained injuries after a massive fire engulfed shops inside Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi. Authorities confirmed this on Saturday.
Rescue officials said the blaze has been classified as a third-degree fire due to its intensity and rapid spread. Eleven of the injured are reported to be in critical condition. The deceased have been identified as Aamir (30), Faraz (55), and Asif (40). Meanwhile, efforts are underway to confirm the identities of the remaining victims.
According to initial assessments, the fire erupted on the mezzanine floor of the commercial plaza, which includes a ground floor, mezzanine, and two upper levels. Flames quickly spread to shops on the ground and first floors. As a result, several people were trapped inside the building.
A huge fire tore through the Gul Plaza mall in Karachi, Pakistan, causing death, injury and extensive damage.
The plume of smoke was reportedly visible from miles away, while the cause of the blaze remains a mystery.
🔗 https://t.co/a9r91biYmV pic.twitter.com/zsDGN5Dat7
— Sky News (@SkyNews) January 17, 2026Fire brigade vehicles reached the site nearly an hour after the outbreak. Rescue officials said multiple individuals remained trapped as firefighting operations continued. At least four fire tenders and a snorkel were initially deployed to contain the blaze.
The Chief Fire Officer confirmed that the fire’s severity prompted the mobilisation of fire tenders from across the city. A total of eight fire tenders, one snorkel, and a water bowser were engaged in efforts to control the inferno.
Rescue authorities reported that several people suffered from smoke inhalation, while others were injured during panic and stampede-like conditions. Evacuation efforts are ongoing as firefighters attempt to reach those still trapped inside.
Fire officials warned that the blaze continues to spread across multiple shops and has extended from the mezzanine to the basement. Due to its scale, officials said the fire could not be brought under control immediately. Additional water tankers were requisitioned as firefighters faced a severe water shortage. Consequently, local residents had to arrange private water supplies.
Two people have died in a fire at Karachi's Gul Plaza – which is one of the city's biggest markets for home decor, toys, electronics, household goods, crockery, and clothing pic.twitter.com/8Bp43C9wI7
— omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) January 17, 2026Sindh government spokesperson Saadia Javed said the rescue operation is being closely monitored and all available resources are being provided to emergency teams. She added that steps are being taken to ensure an uninterrupted water supply at the site.
She also noted that surveys of old buildings across Karachi are underway, while fire safety regulations are being enforced more strictly in newly constructed structures. An emergency has been declared at Civil Hospital Karachi. In addition, the Chief Minister of Sindh and the Mayor of Karachi are continuously monitoring the situation.
