Karachi, January 19, 2026: The death toll from the devastating fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi rose to at least 21 on Monday, with Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah announcing Rs10 million in compensation for the families of each deceased. The blaze, which erupted late Saturday night, destroyed the plaza’s basement and affected a ground-plus-three-storey building housing 1,200 shops across 8,000 square yards.
Although the fire was initially reported under control on Sunday after more than 24 hours of operations, flames reignited on Monday from smouldering debris, prompting firefighting efforts to resume. Karachi South Deputy Inspector General Syed Asad Raza confirmed that 23 bodies had been recovered, some in parts, while 69 people remain missing. Rescue 1122 officials noted that forensic verification is ongoing to determine the final number of casualties.
Chairman Pakistan Navy’s fire brigade Mohammed Shah said the fire was under control, though smoke continued to rise from the site. Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hassaanul Haseeb Khan confirmed that search operations are ongoing at three different locations, with a careful approach to avoid disturbing possible human remains.
No evidence of arson has been reported, according to Karachi Additional IG Azad Khan. Sindh Local Government Minister Nasir Hussain Shah said the provincial government is prepared to form a judicial commission to probe the incident.
Compensation and inquiry announced
Addressing the media, CM Murad Ali Shah announced Rs10 million in compensation for each victim’s family and stated that an inquiry committee, headed by Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi, had been formed. The chief minister emphasized that the inquiry’s aim is to correct mistakes, not assign blame, though action will be taken if sabotage is detected.
CM Murad described the ongoing rescue operations, noting that 40% of the mall had collapsed and that the rest of the building is unstable, potentially requiring complete demolition. He pledged to rehabilitate affected businesses and called for improved disaster management and fire safety measures in the future.
A separate committee has been formed to assess traders’ losses and recommend steps for business rehabilitation. Temporary spaces will be allocated to affected businesses, and shopkeeper associations are being encouraged to install fire alarms.
Scores remain missing
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, who visited the site, said more than 70 people remain unaccounted for, describing the incident as a national tragedy. Families continue to search for missing relatives, with helplines established by the Sindh government for reporting and inquiries.
International condolences
Several foreign missions, including the United Kingdom, Turkey, Russia, Germany, and France, expressed their condolences and solidarity with Pakistan. UK High Commissioner Jane Marriott said she was “heartbroken” by the tragedy, while the Turkish Embassy described the incident as “deeply saddening.”
Challenges and criticism
Local residents and traders criticized the delayed response of authorities, noting shortages of water and limited firefighting resources that hampered early containment. The Saddar Fire Station, located minutes away from the plaza, reportedly could not respond effectively due to these constraints and the challenging layout of M.A. Jinnah Road.
CM Murad Ali Shah, while acknowledging logistical difficulties, appealed for institutional cooperation to support rescue and recovery operations. He emphasized the urgency of safeguarding lives and vowed to restore the affected businesses and compensate the victims.
Traffic authorities announced alternate routes on M.A. Jinnah Road due to ongoing rescue and debris removal operations.
The incident remains under investigation, with firefighting, recovery, and rehabilitation efforts continuing as authorities work to account for the missing and prevent further loss.
