Aaj English TV

Sunday, January 18, 2026  
28 Rajab 1447  

Uncertainty grips families of missing people as Gul Plaza fire rages on

Desperate wait continues for loved ones still trapped in the building

The devastating fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza has plunged hundreds of families into grief as they anxiously wait for news of their loved ones still trapped inside the building.

Despite the continued efforts of rescue teams and fire brigades, the massive blaze remains out of control, leaving everyone in a state of uncertainty and fear.

Classified as a third-degree fire, it has been reported that several people remain trapped inside the building.

Rescue operations have been underway since the blaze broke out at 10.15pm on Saturday night.

According to the latest reports, the building has sustained significant structural damage.

Cracks have appeared in the building, and large sections of the rear side have collapsed, forcing rescue personnel to proceed with extreme caution.

Earlier, a part of the building collapsed, killing one rescue worker.

So far, six people, including a firefighter, have been confirmed dead, while more than 20 sustained injuries.

Outside the building, the scene is heart-wrenching as families are desperately searching for their loved ones gone missing since the fire began last night.

Shopkeepers and their families have been gathered outside Gul Plaza since last night.

Many are devastated by the financial ruin, while several others are heartbroken by the uncertainty of their loved ones’ fate and are praying for their safety.

One father of two young boys, speaking about the incident, became emotional, saying, “My two sons work on the first floor of Gul Plaza, and I haven’t been able to reach them.”

A woman, tearfully speaking about her shop, said, “This was the last sign of my father. Ramadan is approaching, and now we have nothing left. What will we do?”

One shopkeeper, speaking with Aaj News, shared that his three children are still trapped inside the building, and the family has not been able to contact them. Another shopkeeper mentioned that his flower shop was completely burned to the ground, but added that he is praying for the safety of all those trapped inside.

Rescue officials have stated that it is impossible to confirm the exact number of people inside the building.

Some people on the scene informed Aaj News that their loved ones are still inside the building and they have not been able to contact them.

One shopkeeper said, “When the fire broke out, there were customers inside the building, and now we fear that both shopkeepers and buyers are trapped.”

Thick smoke has enveloped the building’s surroundings, and rescue teams are working tirelessly to save those inside.

According to rescue authorities, the fire spread rapidly due to the presence of curtains, carpets, foam, perfume, and plastic materials in the building.

The fire quickly engulfed all three floors. Due to the severity of the fire, no one is being allowed inside the building, as debris continued to fall from other parts of the structure.

The Sindh government has established helplines for those seeking information about missing persons.

Citizens can contact the following numbers for assistance: 03135048048, 02199206372, and 02199205625.


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