“Karachi Mall Inferno Exposes Deadly Safety Lapses; Dozens Feared Dead or Missing”

A massive fire that tore through a multi‑storey shopping mall in central Karachi has left dozens dead, many more injured, and an unknown number still missing, according to local authorities and rescue teams working through the night. The incident has triggered widespread public anger over Pakistan’s recurring urban safety failures and the lack of enforcement of fire‑safety regulations in commercial complexes.

A devastating blaze engulfed the Al‑Safa Commercial Mall in Karachi’s Gulshan‑e‑Iqbal district on Monday evening, killing at least 34 people and injuring more than 50, with rescue workers warning that the death toll may rise as search operations continue.

The fire, which reportedly began on the second floor, spread rapidly through the building, trapping shoppers, employees, and maintenance staff. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as thick smoke filled the corridors and emergency exits failed to open.

🔍 Cause Under Investigation

Officials from the Karachi Fire Department said the exact cause of the blaze remains under investigation, though early reports suggest an electrical short circuit may have sparked the inferno. The mall’s fire alarms and sprinkler systems were allegedly non‑functional — a claim now central to the inquiry.

🚒 Rescue Efforts Continue

More than 20 fire engines, rescue teams, and paramedics battled the flames for over eight hours. Many victims were found on staircases and near locked exits, raising serious questions about the mall’s compliance with safety codes.

A senior rescue official stated that “several bodies were recovered from areas where escape routes should have been accessible.”

🧾 Government Response

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has ordered an immediate investigation and vowed strict action against the mall’s management if negligence is proven. The provincial government has also announced compensation for the families of the deceased and injured.

😔 Families Await News

Outside the mall, distraught families waited anxiously for updates. Many said their loved ones had gone to the mall for routine shopping and never returned. Hospitals across Karachi have appealed for blood donations as they struggle to treat the injured.

🏢 A Pattern of Urban Tragedies

This incident adds to a troubling pattern of deadly fires in Pakistan’s commercial and industrial buildings, often linked to poor enforcement of safety regulations. Urban planners and civil society groups have renewed calls for comprehensive reforms to prevent further tragedies.