A massive fire that ripped through Karachi's Gul Plaza shopping mall has claimed 26 lives, with 81 people still unaccounted for as of January 20, 2026. The blaze broke out late on January 17 in the crowded commercial hub on Muhammad Ali Jinnah Road, engulfing shops filled with highly flammable goods and trapping dozens inside.

The inferno started on the ground floor around 10 p.m., fueled by clothing, plastics, and poor building ventilation, allowing flames to climb multiple stories within minutes. Over 36 hours later, firefighters—supported by army teams—finally contained the fire, but one rescuer lost his life amid collapsing debris and choking smoke. More than 20 others suffered injuries while families cling to hope for loved ones, many late-night shoppers preparing for wedding season.

Criticism mounted over the slow emergency response, with initial firefighting efforts overwhelmed before reinforcements arrived, delaying critical searches. Sindh authorities now use heavy equipment to sift through unstable ruins, as President and Prime Minister extended condolences to grieving families. Social media buzzes with calls for probes into safety violations in the 1,200-stall market.

This disaster ranks among Karachi's deadliest fires in years, mirroring the 2022 Saddar incident that killed 11 over similar lapses in fireproofing. Safety experts stress that enforcing modern sprinklers and inspections could slash such risks dramatically in Pakistan's bustling urban markets. Rescue operations press on, underscoring the need for urgent reforms.