Karachi witnessed a deadly incident late Saturday night when a massive blaze broke out at Gul Plaza shopping mall. The Gul Plaza Fire shocked the city and left at least five people dead. More than 20 others were injured, according to rescue officials.
The fire started late at night and continued into Sunday morning. Firefighters struggled to control the flames for several hours. Thick smoke and intense heat made rescue work very difficult. Authorities feared the old building could collapse at any moment.
Rescue teams deployed around 20 fire tenders from different departments. Despite these efforts, only 30 percent of the fire was brought under control by early Sunday. Flammable goods inside the mall made the situation worse. These items helped the fire spread quickly across several floors.
Initial reports said three bodies were brought out of the building. Later, the death toll rose to five. South Deputy Inspector General Syed Asad Raza confirmed the updated figures. He warned that more people could still be trapped inside.
Rescue 1122 officials confirmed both deaths and injuries. They described the operation as extremely dangerous. Officials said Gul Plaza contains nearly 1,200 shops. These shops store crockery, clothing, electronics, cosmetics, and perfumes. Such goods acted as fuel during the blaze.
Investigators believe the fire started in shops on the ground floor. A short circuit is suspected as the cause. The flames then spread rapidly through the building. The Edhi Foundation also took part in rescue efforts. Its officials confirmed that part of the structure collapsed due to heat.
As panic spread, Sindh Rangers were deployed to the area. Rangers assisted firefighters and helped evacuate trapped people. They also secured valuables and cordoned off the building. Traffic was managed to keep civilians safe and allow emergency access.
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori expressed serious concern over the tragedy. He ordered faster rescue and relief efforts. He also demanded a report on the cause of the Gul Plaza Fire and the firefighting response. The governor assured traders of government support.
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Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar also issued instructions. He directed officials to divert traffic from nearby roads. He stressed the need for a full investigation into the incident. Authorities continue to assess damage and monitor risks as the Gul Plaza Fire aftermath unfolds.
