Karachi

Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, is in the news due to a devastating fire at the Gul Plaza shopping mall. The fire, which began on Saturday evening and burned for over 24 hours, has resulted in a rapidly escalating death toll, currently at 67, with 77 people reported missing. Gul Plaza, a multi-story commercial complex housing approximately 1,200 stores, was densely packed at the time of the blaze. The cause of the fire is under investigation. The incident is newsworthy due to the high number of casualties and the subsequent focus on building safety standards, emergency response capabilities, and urban governance in Karachi. Survivors reported locked exits and desperate calls for help, highlighting potential safety failures. The slow emergency response has also been criticized. The fire is considered Karachi's deadliest in years, raising urgent questions about public safety and regulatory oversight.