Karachi Gul Plaza Fire: Who Is Responsible? | 6:30 PM News Update | 22 Jan 2026 | SAMAA TV

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Karachi Gul Plaza Fire: Who Is Responsible? | 6:30 PM News Update | 22 Jan 2026 | SAMAA TV

A massive fire broke out at Gul Plaza Shopping Mall on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi on Saturday night, 17 January 2026.
The blaze spread rapidly through the multi-story commercial complex, which housed around 1,200 shops, fueled by flammable goods and poor ventilation.
Timeline
Fire reportedly started at around 10:07 PM near the back of the building.
Emergency vehicles arrived minutes later, but flames spread to the front by ~10:18 PM.
Firefighting continued for over 24 hours before the blaze was brought under control, although flare-ups and smoldering debris persisted, requiring ongoing operations.
Casualties & Missing
Death toll has risen sharply as rescue teams recover more remains from the rubble — estimates range around 55–61+ confirmed deaths.
In one of the most tragic discoveries, about 30 bodies were recovered from a single shop during debris clearing.
Many people remain missing — reports say around 80–90+ still unaccounted for, and DNA testing is underway to confirm identities.
Rescue & Response
Rescue 1122, fire brigades, and other emergency teams have been working around the clock through rubble and unstable structures.
Removal of debris is slow due to safety hazards, and authorities have paused some operations for precautionary reasons.
Investigation
Authorities are preparing a timeline from CCTV footage and investigating the cause of the fire. While exact reasons are still under review, many believe electrical issues or flammable materials played a role.
A government inquiry committee has been formed to examine possible negligence or safety lapses and hold responsible parties to account.
Impact
Families of the missing and deceased are distraught, providing DNA samples and awaiting news of loved ones.
The plaza, once a bustling commercial center, is now heavily damaged and largely gutted by the fire.
There’s public frustration over safety standards and emergency response effectiveness

Karachi Gul Plaza Shopping Mall Fire: Who Is Responsible? | 6:30 PM News Update | 22 Jan 2026 |SAMAA

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