A devastating fire has torn through a busy shopping centre in Karachi, Pakistan, claiming at least six lives and injuring many more. The blaze erupted at the Gulo Plaza shopping centre, sending flames shooting into the night sky and trapping people inside the multi-storey structure.
Night of Terror as Flames Consume Mall
The fire broke out shortly after 10pm local time on Saturday, 17th January 2026, as most shopkeepers were closing their stores for the evening. According to rescue spokesman Hassaanul Haseeb Khan, the inferno began in ground-floor shops but spread with terrifying speed upwards through the building.
Hundreds of people, including those who had managed to flee the burning complex, gathered outside to watch in horror as emergency services arrived. Firefighters in full protective gear battled the flames throughout the night, deploying multiple fire engines, ladders, water cannons, and hoses to douse the floors from which flames and thick, black smoke billowed.
An Associated Press reporter at the scene noted the plume of smoke was so dense it could be seen from several blocks away. TV footage captured the intense efforts to control the fire as it shot from windows and balconies.
Stored Goods Fuel Rapid Spread of Blaze
Preliminary reports from authorities indicate the fire spread rapidly due to the materials stored in the affected area of the mall. Shopkeepers had stockpiled imported garments, clothing, and plastic household goods, which acted as a potent fuel source for the flames.
This tragic incident has once again highlighted critical fire safety failures in the region. Police confirmed an investigation into the cause will be launched once the fire is fully extinguished. However, it is widely acknowledged that most structures in Karachi, and across Pakistan, lack adequate fire prevention and firefighting systems, a chronic issue that frequently leads to severe damage and loss of life.
A Recurring Tragedy in Pakistan's Commercial Capital
Karachi, the capital of southern Sindh province, has a grim history of similar disasters. In a chilling parallel, a fire at a shopping mall in the city in November 2023 killed 10 people and injured 22 others.
The frequency of such events underscores a systemic problem with building safety regulations and emergency preparedness in one of the world's most populous cities. As the community reels from this latest tragedy, questions about enforcement of safety codes and investment in modern firefighting infrastructure are being urgently raised.
