Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has ordered immediate fire safety audits of all commercial buildings across the province following a deadly fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza shopping mall that claimed six lives and left several others injured. The directive comes amid growing concern over fire safety standards in busy commercial centres.
According to official statements, the chief minister has also ordered a full-scale inquiry into the Gul Plaza fire. The Karachi commissioner has been tasked with investigating the cause of the blaze and submitting a detailed report at the earliest. CM Shah stressed that identifying lapses is critical to prevent future tragedies.
Reassuring traders and shop owners, Murad Ali Shah emphasised that the Sindh government stands firmly with the business community and will continue to provide all possible support. He underlined that public safety and commercial activity must go hand in hand, especially in high-density urban areas like Karachi.
The Karachi mall fire broke out around 10:15 pm on Saturday on the mezzanine floor before rapidly spreading to the ground and first floors. Due to the intensity of the blaze, rescue operations extended into a second day. Authorities deployed 22 fire brigade vehicles, 10 water bowsers, four snorkels, and 33 ambulances to control the situation and assist victims.
Tragically, firefighter Furqan lost his life while battling the inferno, highlighting the dangers faced by rescue personnel. Officials confirmed that around 75 percent of the fire has been controlled, but warned that the building remains structurally unsafe, with both the rear and front sections showing signs of collapse.
Rescue 1122 officials said search operations would resume only after the fire is completely extinguished to ensure the safety of rescue teams. Police have reported 38 missing persons, while 22 injured individuals are receiving treatment at Civil Hospital Karachi.
To assist families, the government has set up emergency helplines through coordination between the South Zone Police and the District South administration. Citizens have been urged to share information about missing persons to help authorities manage the crisis efficiently.
