Gul Plaza Fire in Karachi Extinguished After 33 Hours; Death Toll Rises to 14

Karachi:The massive fire that broke out at **Gul Plaza** on Karachi’s M.A. Jinnah Road has been **completely extinguished after 33 hours**, while search and rescue operations led to the recovery of **eight more bodies**, raising the **death toll to 14**. At least **22 people were injured** in the tragic incident.
The fire erupted around **10:15 pm on Saturday** on the ground floor of the plaza and rapidly spread to the **third floor**, causing intense flames that led to the collapse of several parts of the building. Firefighters finally brought the blaze under full control after prolonged efforts, and **cooling operations are currently underway**.

According to officials, once the fire was controlled, firefighters entered the building and conducted a **limited search operation inside the burnt shops**. During the operation, **remains of three individuals, including a child**, were recovered and shifted to the **Civil Hospital Trauma Center**.
Families of missing persons remained helplessly gathered outside the burning building from Saturday night, anxiously waiting for news of their loved ones. Police officials said they have obtained mobile numbers of missing persons, adding that **location data of more than 20 individuals indicated presence inside Gul Plaza**.

A rescue operation was also conducted on the third floor following reports of a trapped person, but no survivor was found. Rescue officials said **windows were being cut using cutters and walls demolished with hammers** to facilitate access. Authorities warned that the building’s **pillars have weakened, cracks have appeared**, and due to its age, there is a **serious risk of collapse**.

Meanwhile, **President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif** contacted Sindh Chief Minister **Murad Ali Shah** to inquire about the latest situation. The President directed that **all available resources be utilized** for relief efforts and praised the bravery of **martyred firefighter Furqan Shaukat**, recommending him for a **civil award**. He also ordered immediate measures for the care of the injured and rehabilitation of affected families.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy and offered **full federal assistance**, saying the federal government stands with the victims and the Sindh government in this difficult time.
**Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori** also visited Gul Plaza and termed the disappearance of over **70 people** a great tragedy. He assured affected traders that he would stand by them **until their losses are compensated** and emphasized the need to identify the causes of the fire.

Later, **Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab** paid another visit to the site and directed authorities to **speed up relief operations**. He said around **65 people were still missing**, and rescue efforts were ongoing from multiple sides of the building despite operational difficulties caused by crowds. He acknowledged public anger and protests at his arrival, saying he understood the people’s pain.

The **Electronics Dealers Association** announced a **day of mourning**, stating that the fire caused losses worth **billions of rupees**. Association President **Rizwan Irfan** said many shop owners and workers were still believed to be inside the building and announced that **markets would remain closed** as a sign of solidarity with the victims.
Investigations into the cause of the fire and building safety violations are ongoing as Karachi mourns one of its deadliest commercial building disasters.