Rescue teams in Pakistan are engaged in a desperate race against time to recover victims following a devastating fire that engulfed a major shopping plaza in Karachi.
A City in Mourning After Blaze
The incident, which occurred in Pakistan's largest and most populous city, has prompted a large-scale emergency response. On Monday 19 January 2026, the fire took hold of the commercial building, with the situation still unfolding into the afternoon. Photographers Ali Raza and Mohammad Farooq captured the scene at 12:06 GMT, documenting the grim efforts of the rescue services.
Scenes From the Ground
The visual story, curated by AP photo editors, shows the scale of the challenge facing emergency workers. Images depict teams navigating the charred and unstable structure in a solemn search for more casualties. The focus remains squarely on the recovery operation as the full extent of the tragedy becomes clearer.
This major fire in a key urban centre highlights critical issues surrounding public safety and emergency preparedness in dense commercial districts. The event has sent shockwaves through the community, with many awaiting news of loved ones.
Ongoing Response and Investigation
While the immediate priority is the recovery of bodies, questions will inevitably follow regarding the cause of the inferno and the fire safety measures in place at the complex. The work of the rescuers, working under immense pressure, underscores the human cost of such disasters.
The gallery of photographs provides a stark, unfiltered look at the aftermath, bringing the reality of the catastrophe to a global audience. The coming days will be crucial for both the grieving families and the authorities tasked with the investigation.
