Archive · 22 Jan 2026
Karachi Mall Fire Death Toll Rises
A big fire happened in a shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan.
The fire started late on Saturday and was very hard to control.
Many people got hurt or died, and the number of deaths keeps going up.
The mall is now just a pile of ash and rubble.
People are trying to find and identify the bodies, but it's very difficult.
The government is promising to help the families who lost loved ones or their businesses.
The fire was the worst in Karachi in over a decade.
Protesters are demanding the resignation of the Karachi Mayor and better compensation for the victims.
The death toll from the Karachi mall fire has risen to around 50 to 61, with many bodies found in the debris.
The fire started late on Saturday, January 17, and spread quickly through the Gul Plaza shopping complex.
Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly 36 hours, reducing the mall to ash and debris.
A total of 84 people were initially registered as missing, with the latest reports listing 73 missing individuals.
The government has promised compensation for affected shopkeepers and has begun talks for rebuilding the structure.
- Who
- Victims include shopkeepers, customers, and staff in the Gul Plaza shopping complex; protesters include members of the Human Rights Council of Pakistan
- What
- A devastating fire broke out in the Gul Plaza shopping complex in Karachi, leading to protests demanding resignation and accountability
- When
- The fire started late on Saturday, January 17; protests occurred subsequently
- Where
- Gul Plaza shopping complex in Karachi, Pakistan; protests at Karachi Press Club
- Why
- The exact cause of the fire is not specified, but it quickly spread due to the building's condition and lack of fire safety measures, leading to public outrage and demands for accountability
Protesters and Human Rights Council
Government and Authorities
Responsibility for the Fire
Protesters and Human Rights Council
The fire is a result of criminal negligence by concerned institutions and a grave violation of human rights.
Government and Authorities
The government has promised compensation and is taking steps to address the situation, including talks for rebuilding the structure.
Compensation for Victims
Protesters and Human Rights Council
The announced compensation of one crore Pakistani rupees per person is extremely insufficient.
Government and Authorities
The government has promised compensation for affected shopkeepers and is considering further measures.
Accountability and Resignation
Protesters and Human Rights Council
The Karachi Mayor should immediately resign, and officers of the Sindh Building Control Authority and Fire Brigade should be held accountable.
Government and Authorities
The government is focusing on providing compensation and rehabilitation, with no immediate mention of resignations.
- Location
- Gul Plaza shopping complex, Karachi, Pakistan
- Date of Fire
- Late Saturday, January 17
- Death Toll
- Around 50 to 61 (as of reports)
- Missing Persons
- 84 registered missing (earlier reports) / 73 listed (later reports)
- Fire Duration
- Nearly 36 hours to control
- Building Condition
- Reduced to ash and debris
- Pending Cases
- At least three pending cases over safety measures
- Government Response
- Compensation promised, rehabilitation talks begun
- Protest Demands
- Resignation of Karachi Mayor, formation of an investigation committee, and full financial compensation for affected traders
Sources
Deaths In Karachi Mall Fire Climbs To 61, 30 Bodies Found In A Single Shop
Death Count In Pakistan Shopping Mall Fire Climbs To 50
Death toll in Karachi mall fire climbs to around 50, official says
Karachi Mall Fire: 30 Bodies Recovered From Single Shop, Death Toll Rises to 61
Pakistan: 30 Bodies Recovered From One Shop After Fatal Fire At Karachi's Gul Plaza, Overall Death Toll At 61
Pakistan mall fire: Death toll climbs to at least 55; some still missing after Karachi blaze
60 Dead In Karachi Mall Fire: When Inferno Exposed Pakistan's Safety Failures
Demands for Karachi Mayor's resignation intensify after mall fire kills 60
Mall fire kills 60; pressure mounts on Karachi Mayor to resign
Karachi fire: Pak authorities collect DNA samples from 50 people to help identify victims