Karachi Gul Plaza Fire Kills 14 as Rescue Teams Continue Search Operation

A catastrophic fire at Gul Plaza, a major commercial complex near MA Jinnah Road in Karachi, has claimed 14 lives, according to official confirmations, as rescue operations continue amid dangerous structural conditions. The fire broke out late at night and rapidly spread through the multi-storey building, trapping shop workers and security staff inside.

Firefighters battled the blaze for more than 30 hours, facing thick smoke, extreme heat, and partial building collapses. Emergency responders said several victims were unable to escape due to blocked exits and the absence of functional fire safety systems. The bodies recovered were severely burned, complicating identification efforts, while dozens of people were initially reported missing.

Authorities stated that electricity and gas supplies were immediately shut down in the surrounding area to prevent further damage. Injured individuals were shifted to nearby hospitals, where some remain under treatment for burns and smoke inhalation.

The Sindh government has ordered a high-level investigation into the incident, focusing on possible negligence, illegal structural modifications, and failure to comply with fire safety regulations. Officials acknowledged that the building lacked adequate emergency exits and fire suppression mechanisms.

The Gul Plaza tragedy has once again exposed serious weaknesses in fire safety enforcement across Karachi’s commercial zones. Families of the victims continue to demand accountability, while officials have promised strict action against those found responsible to prevent similar disasters in the future.

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