Karachi Gul Plaza Fire: Death Toll Climbs to 26, Rescue Efforts Ongoing

Karachi: The death toll from a devastating fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza has risen to 26, with rescue operations continuing into Sunday. The blaze, which erupted on Saturday afternoon, trapped numerous people inside the busy commercial building.

Firefighters took over 12 hours to control the inferno that swept through multiple floors of the shopping complex in the city’s central business district.

Rescue Teams Scour Debris for Survivors

A senior official from the Sindh Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) confirmed the recovery of 26 bodies. “The rescue operation is ongoing, and we are using heavy machinery to clear the wreckage,” the official stated.

Joint teams from the Pakistan Army, Rangers, and civil rescue services are using sniffer dogs and thermal imaging equipment to locate anyone still trapped under collapsed sections.

Preliminary Findings Point to Safety Failures

While the exact cause is under investigation, initial reports suggest an electrical short circuit may have sparked the fire.

“This is one of the worst fire tragedies Karachi has seen in recent years. The building lacked basic fire safety measures, which led to the rapid spread of the fire,” said Karachi Commissioner, Syed Hassan Naqvi.

The commissioner’s statement highlights grave concerns over fire code compliance in commercial buildings.

Grief and Official Response

Anxious families of the missing have gathered near the site awaiting news. In response, provincial authorities have declared a day of mourning and announced compensation packages for the victims’ families.

The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for stricter enforcement of building safety regulations across Pakistani cities.