Six Killed, Several Injured As Massive Fire Engulfs Gul Plaza Mall In Pakistan's Karachi

Last Updated:January 18, 2026, 16:13 IST

As per the initial findings, the fire was caused by a short circuit in one of the shops, which then spread throughout the mall.

Firefighters douse a fire that broke out at a shopping mall in Karachi. (AFP photo)

At least six people were killed and several others were injured after a massive fire broke out at the Gul Plaza shopping mall on MA Jinnah Road in Pakistan’s Karachi late on Saturday night.

Rescue services received an emergency call at around 10:38 p.m. local time, reporting that shops on the ground floor of the mall were on fire. The blaze quickly spread through the building, located in a busy commercial area.

Police surgeon Dr Summaiya Syed said six bodies were brought to Karachi’s Civil Hospital, while 11 injured people were receiving treatment.

Firefighters worked through the night to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby buildings. Videos from the scene showed large flames rising from the mall as thick smoke filled the area.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the building, including shop owners who watched as their businesses were destroyed. Images from inside the mall showed burnt shops and heavy damage, with flames still visible in several areas.

Local media reported that parts of the building had begun to collapse. Rescue officials said there were fears that the entire structure could fall, making rescue efforts more difficult.

What Caused The Fire?

Garden Sub-Divisional Police Officer Mohsin Raza indicated that initial findings suggested the fire was caused by a short circuit in one of the shops, which then spread throughout the entire shopping mall. Seven fire brigade vehicles were dispatched to the site, and authorities at Civil Hospital were alerted.

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori expressed concern over the incident and directed relevant authorities to expedite rescue and relief operations. He requested a detailed report on the incident and firefighting efforts, assuring traders and those affected of full cooperation.

As per a report by Dawn, Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar instructed officials to divert traffic to alternative routes to ensure public safety and facilitate emergency operations. He emphasised the need for a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire and stressed the importance of securing the building to prevent the blaze from spreading further.

News world Six Killed, Several Injured As Massive Fire Engulfs Gul Plaza Mall In Pakistan's Karachi

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