A devastating fire at Gul Plaza on MA Jinnah Road in Karachi has claimed the lives of three people and injured at least 20 others, emergency officials reported early on January 18, 2026. The blaze, which began on the mezzanine floor of the plaza, rapidly spread to shops on the ground and first floors, trapping numerous individuals inside as rescuers worked to evacuate them. Fire and rescue teams, supported by more than a dozen fire vehicles, battled the inferno while some occupants sought refuge on the roof. The deceased have been identified as Aamir, Asif, and Faraz, and many of the injured were taken to nearby hospitals in critical condition.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar has ordered the clearance of access routes for firefighting units and a full investigation into the cause of the fire, while Karachi Mayor Barrister Murtaza Wahab offered condolences to the victims’ families and directed municipal departments to provide full support at the scene. Efforts to bring the blaze under control continued as authorities worked to prevent further spread and assess structural safety.