In pictures: Shops reduced to rubble, families concerned as rescuers fight Karachi’s Gul Plaza blaze

A fire that erupted at Karachi’s renowned Gul Plaza on Saturday night continued to rage for over 24 hours, as firefighters’ arduous efforts were only able to partially control it.

While officials have confirmed six deaths so far, over 50 are reported missing.

Scenes from the site showed fire tenders, water tankers and ambulances sprawling MA Jinnah Road, where worried families had gathered in search of their loved ones.

Dawn takes a look at some of the scenes that marred the busy commercial road, crowded for an entirely different reason this time.

Header image: A huge crowd has gathered as firefighters make efforts to douse a fire at the Gul Plaza shopping mall on Karachi’s MA Jinnah Road on Jan 18, 2026. — Shakil Adil/White Star