Deadly Fire Engulfs Karachi’s Gul Plaza

Three killed, several injured as blaze tears through high-rise mall on MA Jinnah Road

January 18 , 2026: At least three people lost their lives and several others were injured after a massive fire broke out at Gul Plaza, a high-rise shopping mall on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi late Saturday night, according to reports. Dr Sabir Memon, Executive Director of the Trauma Centre at Civil Hospital Karachi, confirmed that three victims were brought dead to the hospital, while multiple injured persons were rushed for treatment as rescue operations continued through the night.

Rescue 1122 officials said the fire started in shops on the ground floor and quickly spread to the upper levels of the commercial building, trapping several people inside. South Deputy Inspector General of Police Syed Asad Raza said at least seven others were injured, while six were shifted to hospitals. Multiple fire tenders were deployed at the site, and the situation remained critical for several hours as firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control.

Preliminary investigations suggest a short circuit in one of the shops may have triggered the fire, police said. Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori expressed concern and directed authorities to speed up rescue and relief efforts, while Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar ordered traffic diversions and a detailed probe into the incident. The Sindh Rangers were also deployed to assist with rescue operations, secure the area, and help evacuate those trapped, as officials worked to prevent further spread of the fire.