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Death toll in Karachi Gul Plaza shopping mall fire rises to 14
A massive fire broke out at Gul Plaza shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan, killing at least 14 people. The blaze started late Saturday, was extinguished late Sunday, and rescue operations recovered more bodies on Monday.
Why It Matters
The incident highlights ongoing safety issues in Karachi, where poor building standards have led to multiple deadly fires, including a 2023 mall fire killing 10 and a 2012 factory fire killing 260.
Timeline
8 Events
Search continues amid relatives' anguish
January 19, 2026
Rescue operations continued for dozens missing, with relatives gathering outside the building; police launched an investigation into the cause.
Death toll reaches 14
January 19, 2026
The death toll from the fire rose to 14, as reported by officials.
Death toll rises to 11
January 19, 2026
Police official reported the death toll rose to 11.
Death toll rises to 10
Overnight Sunday to Monday, January 19, 2026
Rescuers recovered four more bodies overnight, raising the death toll to at least 10, per Mayor Murtaza Wahab and officials.
Sindh Chief Minister notes missing persons
night, January 18, 2026
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah stated families reported about 60 people missing, launching search operations.
Fire extinguished late Sunday
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Firefighters extinguished the blaze nearly 24 hours after it started, allowing rescue teams to enter the damaged building.
Firefighters battle blaze through Sunday
January 18, 2026
Flames tore through the complex on Sunday, with over 60 people reported missing by Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab.
Fire erupts at Gul Plaza
Saturday, January 17, 2026
A fire broke out late Saturday at the multistory Gul Plaza shopping mall in Karachi's historic downtown district, spreading quickly through shops storing cosmetics, garments, and plastic goods.