Tue Jan 20 11:41:55 UTC 2026: ### Gul Plaza Fire Claims Lives, Leaves Dozens Missing in Karachi

The Story:
A devastating fire at the Gul Plaza Shopping Mall in Karachi, Pakistan, has claimed the lives of at least 28 people, with another 80 reported missing. The blaze, which began in the basement of the building on Saturday, January 17, 2026, raged for approximately 34 hours before being brought under control. Rescue operations are ongoing, hampered by the unstable condition of the structure and the large number of shops within the plaza.

The fire reportedly started in a shop located in the basement and quickly spread throughout the multi-story building. Families of the missing have gathered at the scene, anxiously awaiting news. The M.A. Jinnah Road has been closed to traffic, and business owners observed a day of mourning on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Key Points:

  • At least 28 people confirmed dead, 80 missing following a fire at Gul Plaza Shopping Mall in Karachi.
  • The fire began on January 17, 2026, and took 34 hours to extinguish.
  • The building housed approximately 1200 shops.
  • Rescue operations are slow due to the building’s instability.
  • Preliminary estimates place losses at 3 billion PKR.

Key Takeaways:

  • The fire highlights the potential dangers posed by inadequate safety measures in older commercial buildings in Karachi.
  • The large number of missing persons underscores the scale of the disaster and the challenges faced by rescue teams.
  • The economic impact of the fire is significant, with billions of PKR in losses estimated.

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