Search Operation Underway After Devastating Gul Plaza Fire in Karachi

Karachi woke up to tragedy as a massive fire ripped through Gul Plaza, one of the city’s busiest shopping complexes. Families are anxiously awaiting news, rescue teams are working around the clock, and the city is grappling with the scale of the disaster. More than 24 hours after the fire began, emergency crews are still searching for over 50 people reported missing.

Blaze Finally Controlled After 24 Hours

The fire erupted late Saturday night, January 17, engulfing the three-story Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road. Firefighters battled flames for over a day before bringing the blaze largely under control.

Once the fire was contained, rescue teams began careful searches inside the charred building, navigating unstable floors, lingering hotspots, and thick smoke. Conditions remain dangerous, but officials are determined to locate survivors and recover victims.

Rising Death Toll and Missing Persons

Early reports confirmed that at least six people lost their lives, including a brave firefighter who died while trying to save others. Dozens more sustained injuries, ranging from smoke inhalation to burns.

Yet the greatest concern is the number of people still missing. Official estimates suggest 50 to 65 individuals may remain trapped inside the building. Families are waiting outside, hoping for news, holding onto their last messages and calls from loved ones.

How the Fire Became Deadly

What made the Gul Plaza fire especially catastrophic was how quickly it spread. The mall, housing over 1,000 shops, contained highly flammable items like carpets, textiles, and resins.

Reports indicate many exits were locked or difficult to access, and thick smoke quickly filled upper floors. The combination of combustible materials, poor ventilation, and crowded spaces turned what could have been a contained fire into a full-blown disaster.

Families in Limbo

Outside the plaza, family members wait anxiously, some clutching phones with their last messages from inside the building. The uncertainty is agonizing. Parents, siblings, and friends replay the final moments over and over, praying for a miracle.

The emotional toll is immense. The wait is as punishing as the fire itself, and community members have gathered to provide support, food, and blankets to those who have nowhere else to turn.

Rescue Efforts: Dangerous but Determined

Rescuers face extreme hazards as they comb through the debris. Unstable floors, lingering smoke, and the risk of further collapse make every step dangerous.

Teams from Rescue 1122, local fire brigades, and law enforcement have coordinated the search, moving debris carefully and using thermal cameras and trained dogs to locate potential survivors. Every success is a moment of relief, every challenge a reminder of the fire’s devastation.

Official Response

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah and other officials have been actively monitoring the rescue operations. Helplines have been established for reporting missing persons, and national leaders have expressed their condolences and support.

Authorities have promised a full investigation to determine how the fire started and why emergency responses struggled to contain the blaze promptly.

A Community Shaken

The fire has not only destroyed property but also shaken the business and social fabric of Karachi. Shop owners face enormous financial losses, and the city is left questioning safety regulations, building codes, and emergency preparedness measures.

This tragedy has also reminded the public of the fragility of urban infrastructure, especially in densely populated commercial areas where rapid fire spread can turn deadly.

Lessons in Safety

The Gul Plaza fire has highlighted critical weaknesses in fire safety enforcement. Many older commercial buildings lack sprinklers, alarms, or proper exit routes.

Experts and citizens alike are calling for stricter regulations, consistent inspections, and public awareness campaigns to prevent future disasters. The hope is that lessons from this tragedy will lead to meaningful reforms that save lives.

Searching for Survivors

Rescue teams continue to work tirelessly, sometimes risking their own safety to locate survivors. Every corner of the building is being inspected, every room combed for anyone who may have been trapped.

Families cling to hope, emergency crews press forward, and the community watches and waits. In moments like these, solidarity, patience, and perseverance become as important as skill and equipment.

Final Thoughts

The Gul Plaza fire is a tragedy that will not soon be forgotten. It has claimed lives, injured many, and left families in anguish. It has also exposed systemic weaknesses in urban safety and emergency response.

While rescue operations continue, Karachi’s residents are reminded of the importance of vigilance, preparedness, and stronger safety standards. The hope is that through lessons learned and reforms implemented, such a catastrophe will never happen again.