Death toll from mall fire in Pakistan’s Karachi rises to 26, over 80 missing

The death toll from a fire at a shopping mall in Pakistan’s largest city has risen to at least 26, according to local media reports. More than 80 people are still missing or unaccounted for.

The fire broke out Sunday at Gul Plaza, a large commercial building in Karachi. The blaze spread through multiple floors of the mall before firefighters brought it under control, officials said.

At least 26 people were killed in the fire, including a firefighter who died during rescue operations, according to authorities and local media reports. Six of the victims have been identified, and the remaining bodies will be identified through DNA testing.

At least 81 people have been reported missing by their families, officials said.

According to ARY News, Gul Plaza was originally constructed in 1980. An additional floor was added in 1998 after an 18-year gap, and the building later underwent multiple unauthorized modifications. The roof was converted into a parking area, while shops were built in areas originally designated for parking.

ARY News reported that the official building permit allowed four floors, including a basement, and 1,021 shops. Investigators found that about 1,200 shops had been constructed, exceeding the approved number by 179.

The Sindh Building Control Authority said internal pathways and exit points had been obstructed by shops, severely restricting movement and emergency access.

The fire spread rapidly through shops storing cosmetics, garments, and plastic goods, Karachi’s chief rescue officer Dr. Abid Jalal Sheikh said, according to the Associated Press.

The cause of the fire has not been determined. Police said an investigation is underway.