Investigation reveals how Gul Plaza fire became a death trap
FI
Home Report exposes severe lapses by the mall administration and rescue services that led the blaze to escalate The devastating fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi, which claimed 79 lives and left dozens missing, was triggered by lighting a matchstick at a shop, selling artificial flowers, according to the Sindh government’s investigation report. The report also exposed severe lapses by the mall administration and rescue services that led the blaze to escalate. The tragedy was not the result of just a single mistake, but of years of neglect, regulatory failures, and dangerous compromises. The investigating team recorded statements of 19 witnesses, including the president of the Gul Plaza union, shopkeepers, workers, and security guards. According to the report, the fire began at around 10:15pm at Shop No 193, 'New Tawakal Flower & Gift Shop', selling artificial flowers, located near Gate No 6, on the ground-floor. Within minutes, flames and thick smoke engulfed the building, claimed 79 lives, injured dozens, and revealed deep-rooted failures in urban safety governance.
Published: January 30, 2026 6:00 pm
Source: The Express Tribune — Read original