KARACHI: A devastating fire at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road has shaken Karachi, raising serious questions about building safety, emergency preparedness, and enforcement of fire regulations. The tragic incident, which erupted late Saturday night, has resulted in significant loss of life, dozens of missing persons, and widespread destruction in one of the city’s busiest commercial areas. Even after more than 30 hours, rescue and recovery operations continue amid fears of further structural collapse.
Gul Plaza Fire Latest Updates
According to Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso, the death toll in the Gul Plaza fire has reached 27, while 85 people were initially reported missing at the help desk established by authorities. Later updates confirmed that 81 missing persons cases have been formally registered. Rescue teams, including Karachi Fire Brigade, Pakistan Army, Rangers, and civil authorities, are jointly conducting search operations under extremely challenging conditions.
DNA collection centers have been set up to identify victims, with 52 families submitting samples so far. Officials say debris removal is being carried out cautiously due to the fragile condition of the building. One section of Gul Plaza is declared extremely weak, while another is relatively stable, prompting authorities to restrict access for traders and the public.
Engineers from the Sindh Building Control Authority have been asked to submit a detailed report on the structural integrity of nearby buildings, including Rimpa Plaza. Heavy machinery is being used carefully to clear debris, while rescue teams enter the building through rear access points to locate survivors or recover bodies.
Authorities have urged families of missing persons to remain in contact with the Deputy Commissioner office helpline for verified information, stressing that rescue efforts are ongoing and evolving.
Three Lyari Teenagers Still Missing
Among the missing are three teenage boys from Lyari: Hamza, 13, Hassam, 15, and Abdus Samad, 16. All three were working at shops inside Gul Plaza when the fire broke out. Their families remain in distress, with Abdus Samad’s father collapsing at the site due to grief. The case has highlighted the issue of underage workers in unsafe commercial buildings in Karachi.
Firefighter Martyred During Rescue
The tragedy also claimed the life of firefighter Furqan, who was martyred while participating in the rescue operation. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab announced that the Nazimabad Fire Station will be renamed in Furqan’s honor. The Karachi Metropolitan Corporation has also pledged a job for his widow and full educational support for his children, acknowledging his sacrifice.
Survivors of the Gul Plaza fire have revealed alarming safety lapses. According to eyewitness accounts, 24 out of 26 gates were locked after 10pm, leaving only two exit routes. Thick smoke, darkness, and the absence of emergency exits turned the building into a deadly trap. These revelations have sparked public outrage and renewed calls for strict enforcement of fire safety laws in Karachi.
Emotions remain high at the site as families of victims briefly blocked debris removal machinery, demanding recovery of bodies before further operations. Rangers intervened to restore order. Separately, traders clashed with police during Mayor Wahab’s visit, expressing anger over losses and accountability.
Mayor Wahab confirmed that emergency response protocols were followed and announced the formation of a committee to assess financial losses suffered by traders. As Karachi mourns, the Gul Plaza fire stands as a grim reminder of the urgent need for building safety reforms, fire inspections, and accountability to prevent future tragedies.
