Karachi’s Gul Plaza fire exposes years of neglect and systemic failures

A devastating fire at Gul Plaza in Karachi has once again exposed the city’s longstanding crisis of governance, safety regulation and emergency preparedness.

More than 36 hours after the blaze began, authorities still struggled to fully control the fire, while the death toll continued to rise and dozens remained missing. The tragedy has sparked outrage over inadequate fire safety systems, delayed rescue efforts and the broader failure of state institutions to protect civilians.

In the latest episode of “On My Radar,” Kamran Khan said the Gul Plaza fire reflects “a pattern of systemic negligence and failure,” noting that Karachi has repeatedly suffered similar disasters due to corruption, illegal construction and weak enforcement of safety regulations. He added that the city’s chronic neglect is not a sudden problem but a long-standing condition.

The fire erupted around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday night, rapidly engulfing the three-story commercial building located in the heart of Karachi’s business district. So far, at least 15 people have been confirmed dead, including a firefighter who lost his life while trying to rescue others. Official sources warned the death toll could rise to 51, while more than 50 people remained missing. Dozens of injured victims were shifted to hospitals as authorities continued rescue operations.

Footage circulating on social media showed people screaming for help and begging to be rescued as flames spread to upper floors. The thick smoke made breathing difficult, and the structure’s poor ventilation and sealed layout allowed the fire to spread quickly throughout the building.

From the early hours, it was evident that Gul Plaza lacked basic fire safety systems. The market had no fire exits, no functional fire extinguishers, and no effective regulatory oversight. Critics say these deficiencies are not accidental but the result of long-term neglect and weak enforcement of safety standards in Karachi’s commercial buildings.

Victims and witnesses have alleged that rescue operations were delayed by nearly two hours, claiming that the loss of life could have been reduced if emergency response teams had arrived earlier. They also warned that the financial losses are massive, with around 1,200 shopkeepers facing destruction of their businesses and assets worth billions of rupees.

Authorities initially blamed delays on road excavation and traffic congestion on M.A. Jinnah Road, a major artery leading to the site. However, critics argued that traffic gridlock and poor road conditions are persistent problems across Karachi, and the responsibility for ensuring emergency access falls on the provincial government.

The fire has reopened painful memories of previous incidents at Gul Plaza, which was also damaged by fires in 2008 and 2016, when around 25 shops were destroyed. The repeated incidents have intensified public questions about why fires have become a recurring issue in Karachi’s residential and commercial buildings.

According to Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) data, the city has recorded 1,515 fire incidents in commercial buildings, 1,952 in residential structures, and 1,203 in factories over the past five years. Analysts and activists argue that these incidents could be prevented if regulatory bodies such as the Civil Defense Department, Sindh Building Control Authority, and Fire Department enforced safety laws effectively.

Two years ago, a fire at RJ Mall in Gulistan-e-Jauhar killed 11 people. Despite public outrage and official promises, no meaningful reforms were implemented, and the same pattern of negligence continued.

After each disaster, officials often announce investigations and form committees, but these measures eventually fade into inaction. Many believe the state’s inability to enforce safety regulations and take preventive action has become a recurring cause of tragic fires in Karachi.