Karachi, Pakistan’s bustling economic hub, was plunged into mourning after a catastrophic fire ripped through the iconic Gul Plaza mall late Saturday night. The blaze, which started under mysterious circumstances, raged for over 24 hours before firefighters could bring it under control. Tragically, at least 15 people lost their lives, with more than 70 others still unaccounted for as rescue operations continue amid fears of a rising death toll.
Eyewitnesses and local merchants pointed fingers squarely at government negligence. The Sadar Fire Station, just minutes away, failed to respond promptly, allowing the flames to spread rapidly from the lower floors to the upper levels. ‘If the fire brigade had arrived with full force right away, this disaster could have been averted,’ said one shop owner who barely escaped the inferno.
Local media reports highlighted severe resource shortages, including a critical lack of water, which hampered firefighting efforts throughout the night. Operations only gained momentum Sunday morning, by which time the multi-story complex was engulfed in thick black smoke and roaring flames.
Residents criticized the Sindh government and Karachi’s mayor for the dilapidated state of M.A. Jinnah Road, where poor infrastructure made it nearly impossible to maneuver water tankers effectively. ‘The road is so bad that even two tankers can’t pass side by side,’ lamented a local resident.
Rescue spokesperson Hasanul Haseeb Khan confirmed that 95% of the fire has been extinguished, with cooling operations now underway. Investigators suspect a short circuit as the likely cause, though a full probe is pending. As debris is cleared, the city grapples with profound loss and demands accountability from authorities to prevent future tragedies.