Six Dead as Fire Destroys Karachi Shopping Mall

Firefighters in Pakistan’s largest city battled a massive blaze on Sunday that killed six people and destroyed large sections of a shopping mall in Karachi’s historic downtown. The fire erupted late Saturday night at Gul Plaza, a busy commercial building, sending flames through the dense business district and drawing crowds of onlookers.

Emergency services received a call at 10:38 p.m. local time reporting that shops on the mall’s ground floor were ablaze. By the time rescue teams arrived, the fire had spread to upper floors, engulfing almost the entire building, according to Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassanul Haseeb Khan.

Videos shared on social media showed towering flames and thick smoke as firefighters worked through the night to prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring buildings. Hundreds of people, including store owners, gathered around the scene, many visibly distraught as they watched their businesses turn to ash.

Police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed said six bodies had been brought to Karachi’s Civil Hospital and 11 people were treated for injuries. Authorities have invoked mass disaster protocols to coordinate rescue and recovery operations.

Images of the interior revealed charred remains of shops and debris, with parts of the structure beginning to collapse. Rescue officials expressed concern over the stability of the building, warning that additional collapses were possible.

Local authorities have not yet released information on the cause of the fire. Officials said investigations would begin once the site is secure and rescue operations are complete.

Gul Plaza is located in one of Karachi’s busiest commercial areas, known for its historic architecture and dense clusters of shops. Fires in such crowded areas pose significant challenges, as narrow streets and heavy pedestrian traffic can hamper firefighting and evacuation efforts.

Residents described chaotic scenes as smoke billowed across the district, and emergency sirens echoed through the city. Eyewitnesses reported that firefighters faced difficulties entering the building due to the intensity of the flames and collapsing floors.

This incident comes amid growing concerns over building safety in Karachi, where older structures in commercial zones are often densely packed and lack adequate fire safety measures. Authorities have repeatedly warned of the risks, but enforcement has been inconsistent.

Rescue teams continued to monitor the site throughout Sunday, searching for any remaining victims and ensuring the fire did not spread to nearby buildings. Officials urged local residents to avoid the area and allow emergency services to work safely.

The fire at Gul Plaza is one of the deadliest commercial fires in Karachi in recent years, highlighting the ongoing challenges of urban safety and emergency preparedness in the city.