Gul Plaza Fire in Karachi turns into Major Emergency

A devastating fire at Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi has escalated into a full-scale emergency, prompting continuous rescue operations.

Authorities confirmed that firefighting efforts remain active while coordinated search teams work tirelessly to locate any missing individuals inside the structure.

Police officials, Rangers, and rescue personnel have secured the surrounding area as emergency crews battle lingering flames and heavy smoke conditions.

As the situation intensified, the Pakistan Army and Frontier Works Organisation were called in to support ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.

Heavy machinery from the Army and FWO has been deployed to remove debris and open access points previously unreachable due to structural damage.

Officials stated that a specialised engineering team has also been placed on standby to assess stability and guide safe entry operations.

According to authorities, military support is being provided to ensure that any trapped persons are rescued swiftly and with maximum safety.

Coordination between civil administration, rescue services, and security agencies continues as the situation remains volatile and unpredictable.

Rescue 1122 volunteers have entered the fire-damaged building and initiated a cautious search across affected internal sections.

Teams are prioritising shops located at the front of the plaza, where the heaviest destruction has been reported by officials.

Authorities warned that the building remains structurally fragile, forcing rescuers to proceed carefully to avoid further collapse risks.

Officials confirmed that search operations are ongoing and additional updates will be shared as new developments emerge.

Fire department representatives described the blaze as unprecedented, with flames erupting across multiple sections simultaneously.

The inferno affected more than 1500 shops spread across approximately 1.75 acres of commercial space.

Six people have been reported dead and over 50 are feared to be missing.

The initial fire alert was received at 10:26 pm on January 17, 2026, prompting an immediate emergency response.

Fire tenders reportedly reached the scene within minutes, but the intensity of the blaze required the mobilisation of all city stations.

Additional firefighting personnel were summoned as crews struggled against rapidly spreading flames and dense smoke conditions.

Despite adequate water availability, blocked access routes and large crowds significantly hampered firefighting operations.

Officials confirmed that emergency pathways were obstructed, slowing response times during critical early moments.

Tragically, one firefighter lost his life while courageously battling the flames inside the plaza.

The Chief Fire Officer stated that the incident was unlike anything previously witnessed within the city.

Regarding the cause, authorities said investigations are still underway.

Preliminary assessments suggest a possible electrical short circuit or simultaneous double-phase power surge.

However, officials cautioned that these findings remain speculative until a detailed technical investigation concludes.

Fire department officials stressed that rescue operations remain the highest priority despite extreme operational risks.

Every possible effort is being made to prevent further damage and ensure the safety of all personnel involved.

Authorities urged the public to remain patient and avoid the area to allow emergency teams to work uninterrupted.

As night operations continue, fears persist that individuals may still be trapped beneath debris and collapsed structures.