Pakistan shopping center fire death toll rises to 14, dozens still missing

The death toll from a devastating fire at the Gul Plaza shopping center in Karachi has increased to 14, according to local officials cited by Pakistani media on Monday. Deputy Inspector General of Police Asad Raza confirmed that search and rescue operations are ongoing at the site, where dozens of people remain missing following the blaze that erupted late Saturday night.

Structural Risks Hamper Rescue Efforts

Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, who visited the scene, told reporters that an estimated 70 to 80 individuals are still unaccounted for, noting that around 1,200 people were conducting business in the building at the time of the fire. Authorities have warned that the aging structure is unstable, forcing rescue teams to proceed with extreme caution as they clear debris and continue cooling operations. Firefighters have extinguished the blaze, but the building’s condition has slowed the search for survivors and victims.

Rapid Spread in Densely Packed Commercial Hub

The fire rapidly engulfed the multi-story Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road, a densely packed commercial area housing hundreds of shops selling clothing, electronics, cosmetics, and household goods. The presence of flammable materials contributed to the intensity and speed of the spread, complicating initial evacuation and firefighting efforts. The incident highlights persistent concerns about building safety and fire code enforcement in Karachi, a metropolis of over 20 million people where aging infrastructure and lax regulations often pose significant risks.

Broader Implications for Urban Safety

The tragedy has prompted renewed calls for stricter enforcement of building safety standards and emergency preparedness in Pakistan’s major cities. As rescue operations continue, attention is likely to turn to accountability and measures to prevent similar disasters in the future, particularly in densely occupied commercial buildings with limited safety provisions.