Gul Plaza

Gul Plaza is a large, multi-story shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan, containing approximately 1,200 stores and spanning 8,000 sq m. It is newsworthy due to a massive fire that broke out on Saturday, January 18, 2026, and burned for over 24 hours. The fire has resulted in at least 67 deaths, with over 70 people still reported missing. Parts of the building have collapsed, hampering rescue efforts. Survivors have reported locked exits and panic during the blaze. The incident has raised urgent questions about building safety standards, rescue capacity, and urban governance in Karachi, exposing significant safety failures. A police investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire, which is considered Karachi's deadliest in years. The incident has prompted condolences from Pakistani leaders.