A fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi, Pakistan, ignited by a lit match, resulted in 79 confirmed deaths and left dozens missing, according to a recent investigation by the Sindh government.
A Cascade of Failures
The investigation revealed the blaze, which began at approximately 10:15pm on January 22, 2026, at ‘New Tawakal Flower & Gift Shop’ (Shop No. 193), was not an isolated incident. It was the culmination of years of neglect, regulatory failures, and compromises in safety standards.
The fire started when 11-year-old Huzaifa, son of the shop owner Naimatullah, lit a match that fell onto artificial flowers while he was with a 13-year-old boy named Aryan. The highly combustible materials quickly fueled the flames, spreading to neighboring establishments.
Delayed Response and Escalation
An emergency call was placed to the KMC Fire Helpline (16) at 10:26pm. However, the arrival of the first water bowser was delayed by almost 90 minutes due to water shortages. The fire escalated to a third-degree blaze by 10:50-10:55pm, overwhelming initial firefighting efforts.
The situation was exacerbated by a power outage at 10:20pm, intended to prevent short circuits, which instead plunged the plaza – holding an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 people – into darkness and triggered panic. Smoke filled corridors and staircases, reducing visibility, while many fire exits were found to be locked, blocked, or inaccessible.
The Mezzanine Floor: A Deadly Trap
The mezzanine floor proved particularly dangerous, with smoke rising rapidly and trapping individuals inside shops secured with iron grills. Several victims succumbed to suffocation. Witnesses reported struggling to breathe and breaking doors in desperate attempts to escape.
Systemic Issues and Accountability
The investigation concluded that gross negligence was central to the tragedy. Contributing factors included irresponsible conduct by the shop owner, failures in plaza management to enforce fire safety, regulatory lapses by building control authorities, and inadequate preparedness of firefighting agencies.
Gul Plaza had previously undergone fire safety audits by Civil Defence and KMC, yet lacked essential safety features such as fire alarm systems, sprinklers, hydrants, and clearly marked emergency exits. The building’s layout had also been altered, increasing the number of shops and narrowing staircases without regard for safety.
Looking Ahead
The investigating committee recommended immediate fire safety audits of all high-risk buildings, mandatory post-construction inspections, and the installation of modern fire suppression systems. Upgrading firefighting agencies, merging fire and rescue services, and increased involvement from trade bodies and builders in enforcing safety standards were also suggested.
It is possible that these recommendations could lead to stricter building regulations and enforcement in Karachi and potentially other urban centers in Pakistan. A comprehensive review of emergency response protocols is also likely to be undertaken. However, the implementation of these changes will depend on political will and resource allocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the fire at Gul Plaza?
The fire was triggered when a match was lit by an 11-year-old boy at ‘New Tawakal Flower & Gift Shop’, igniting artificial flowers.
How many people died in the fire?
The fire claimed 79 lives, with dozens more reported missing.
What were some of the key safety failures identified in the investigation?
The investigation revealed a lack of fire alarm systems, sprinklers, functional emergency exits, and proper aisle markings, as well as deviations from the building’s approved plan.
How can tragedies like this be prevented in the future?
