Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso says 40 percent of building has already collapsed while experts from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) have declared remaining portions extremely fragile
KARACHI: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-Jan 20th, 2026) A massive fire that broke out late Saturday night at the Gul Plaza shopping mall on MA Jinnah Road has been brought under control, but not before causing extensive destruction and loss of life. At least 26 people have died due to suffocation and burn injuries, while the building has partially collapsed, with nearly 40 percent of the structure reduced to rubble. Rescue teams continue to clear debris and search for missing persons, as the confirmed list of missing has reached 75.
Deputy Commissioner South Javed Nabi Khoso said that 40 percent of the building has already collapsed, and experts from the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) have declared the remaining portions extremely fragile. He urged traders and the public to cooperate with authorities and stay away from the designated red zone.
The deputy commissioner stated that search operations inside the building resumed, with 83 Names initially listed as missing, though some were duplicated. After verification, 75 individuals have been confirmed as missing, and the locations of 39 people have been traced to Gul Plaza.
He added that the SBCA demolition team is present at the site and is guiding the rescue operation. Rescue workers were deployed to the third and fourth floors for a detailed survey, but no bodies were found there. Authorities suspect that more victims may be trapped on the left side of the building, where teams are attempting to create access routes.
Vehicles that were stranded on the rooftop have been safely lowered and handed over to their owners. Several motorcycles still remain and are also being removed.
Khoso said rescue efforts began within 15 to 20 minutes of the fire breaking out, with teams attempting entry from three different points. However, the intensity of the blaze made it nearly impossible to approach the building. Rescue workers managed to save several people from the MA Jinnah Road side, but some personnel were injured during the operation.
He noted that teams made at least 32 attempts to enter the building and identified four key points where holes were created to gain access, but extreme heat and flames prevented deeper entry.
Rescue teams enter building after 40 hours
Rescue workers were able to enter the building nearly 40 hours after the incident and began a full-scale search for missing persons. The search on the first floor has been completed, and operations are now focused on the second floor. During the operation, flames briefly reignited, prompting firefighters to douse the area again before bringing the situation back under control.
Due to darkness inside the mall, rescue workers are using torches to search for survivors and victims. Human remains have been found, and the recovery of bodies is ongoing.
Mayor oversees operation
Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab visited the site late at night to personally supervise the rescue efforts. He directed authorities to expedite the operation and ensure that all missing persons are located.
The mayor said all departments of the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation would remain on high alert until the rescue operation is fully completed.
Following his instructions, additional heavy machinery was deployed, and cranes were used to systematically lower vehicles from the rooftop. Authorities confirmed that 32 vehicles have been safely removed so far, including 16 cars, four Suzuki vehicles, 12 motorcycles, and one rickshaw, all of which were returned to their owners.
26 bodies recovered, 13 identified
Karachi Commissioner Hassan Naqvi told the media that 26 bodies have been recovered, and 13 have been identified. DNA testing will be conducted to establish the identities of the remaining victims. He said 75 people are still officially reported missing.
Naqvi described the blaze as one of the most intense fires he had ever witnessed. An inquiry committee has begun collecting evidence, and further findings are expected in the coming days. He emphasized that the immediate focus remains on the rescue operation, adding that strict legal action would be taken if any criminal negligence or wrongdoing is established.
building’s fate to be decided after rescue operation
Deputy Commissioner South said the SBCA team will decide whether the building is structurally safe or needs to be demolished after the rescue operation is completed. Debris removal has already begun, and families of more than 70 missing persons have approached the district administration for assistance. A formal assessment of damages will be conducted on the Sindh government’s directives once the operation concludes.
Shopkeeper stopped from using heavy machinery
A shopkeeper attempted to use an excavator and drilling machine to reach his shop, claiming that two nephews, a relative from Quetta, and employees were trapped inside. Authorities intervened and removed the machinery, stating that drilling could further weaken the already unstable structure.
Survivor’s account
One young survivor, identified as Khalid, said he managed to escape by feeling his way along the walls in complete darkness and heavy smoke before collapsing outside. He regained consciousness later in the hospital.
Khalid recalled hearing only cries and chaos as smoke filled the building and the power went out. He said people were gasping for air with no visible escape route.
At the time, his two brothers, a cousin from Quetta, three employees, and several customers were inside their shop located on the ninth floor. He said he remains outside Gul Plaza with his family, anxiously waiting for news of his brothers who are still missing.
