A massive fire broke out at the Gul Plaza shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan, late on January 17, 2026, killing at least 21 people and leaving more than 60 others missing as rescue efforts continue in the wreckage of the multi-storey complex. The blaze, one of the deadliest in the city in years, gutted the building that housed around 1,200 shops before firefighters brought it mostly under control after more than 24 hours.
The inferno started late Saturday night and spread rapidly through the crowded commercial centre, forcing firefighters to battle thick smoke and intense heat. Rescue officials have warned that many structures remain unstable, hampering efforts to find survivors amidst collapsed floors and twisted steel.
Authorities said stored flammable materials and poor ventilation likely contributed to the fire’s rapid spread. DNA testing has been required to identify some victims due to the severity of the blaze, and hospitals remain on alert as bodies are recovered.
The Sindh provincial government described the incident as a “national tragedy”, launched an official inquiry, and announced compensation for families of the deceased. Community leaders and shop owners have criticised the slow pace of early rescue efforts, while hundreds of relatives still wait anxiously for news of loved ones.
