The death toll from the devastating inferno at Gul Plaza shopping mall in Karachi has climbed to 67, officials confirmed on Thursday as rescuers continued to comb through the wreckage of the gutted building. The tragic escalation comes amid ongoing search operations for dozens still missing and mounting concerns over fire safety and regulatory enforcement.
Latest Developments and Rescue Efforts
Rescue teams from Rescue 1122, fire services, and other emergency units have been working for several days to recover bodies and locate survivors in the charred remains of the three-storey commercial complex on Muhammad Ali Jinnah Road. The blaze, which erupted on January 17, 2026, rapidly consumed the structure, leaving behind extensive destruction and loss of life.
According to Police Surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed, all 67 bodies and human remains have now been brought to hospitals, and post-mortem examinations have been completed. DNA sampling and identification work continue for the numerous victims whose remains are difficult to recognize due to the intensity of the fire.
Circumstances of the Fire
Preliminary investigations suggest the blaze began in a ground-floor shop, possibly due to negligence involving combustible materials stored inside. According to early reports, children playing with a match or lighter may have ignited highly flammable items, causing the fire to spread rapidly through the building before an effective response could be mounted.
Rescue officials have noted that most doors within the plaza were closed at the time of the fire, leaving few exits and contributing to the high fatality count as occupants struggled to escape.
Challenges in the Rescue Operation
Authorities have described the recovery effort as particularly difficult due to the structural instability of the building and lingering heat within the debris. Investigators and rescue workers have used thermal imaging cameras and specialized tools to detect heat signatures and locate victims beneath rubble.
The Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) and the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) have since declared Gul Plaza structurally unsafe and recommended demolition once search operations conclude.
Reaction from Families and Communities
Families of those still missing have expressed profound anguish and frustration at the pace of recovery efforts. Some have staged protests near the disaster site, while others anxiously await notifications from authorities on the status of their loved ones.
The tragedy has also sparked broader concern about fire safety standards in commercial buildings, with authorities in other cities like Islamabad and Rawalpindi conducting surveys of high-rise structures to assess emergency preparedness in the wake of the Gul Plaza disaster.
Official Response and Investigations
The Sindh government has termed the fire a national tragedy and pledged a thorough investigation. In addition to ongoing search operations, officials have ordered fire safety reviews at hundreds of buildings across Karachi after the incident highlighted glaring deficiencies in emergency infrastructure and regulatory compliance.
A judicial inquiry has also been demanded by the Sindh Governor to determine responsibility and to recommend measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.
Broader Safety Concerns
The Gul Plaza fire — which destroyed a complex housing around 1,200 shops — has reignited public debate over fire safety and the enforcement of building codes in Pakistan’s urban centres. Experts point to long-standing problems, including blocked exits, lack of sprinklers or alarm systems, and inadequate firefighting resources, as critical factors that can turn accidents into mass casualty events.
Conclusion
The death toll of the deadly fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza has now reached 67 as rescue and recovery operations continue amid ongoing investigations and safety reviews. The tragedy has not only brought deep grief to affected families but has also raised urgent questions about fire preparedness, building safety standards, and regulatory enforcement across Pakistan’s cities.
As authorities band together with emergency services and community groups, the focus remains on recovering those still missing, identifying victims with dignity, and ensuring that lessons are learned to prevent such a catastrophe from happening again.
