Pakistan: 21 dead after weekend shopping mall fire in Karachi
At least 21 people have died following a devastating fire that broke out over the weekend at a shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, according to local emergency services.
Rescue teams reported on Monday that 21 bodies have been recovered so far, while search and recovery operations are still ongoing. Authorities fear the death toll could rise, as dozens of people remain unaccounted for.
The fire erupted on Saturday inside the commercial complex, causing panic among visitors and workers. Firefighters worked for hours to contain the blaze and later continued cooling operations to prevent further flare-ups. Thick smoke and structural damage made rescue efforts particularly challenging.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been officially confirmed. Local officials have announced the launch of an investigation to determine whether safety regulations were followed and to identify any potential negligence.
Incidents of this kind have renewed concerns over fire safety standards in commercial buildings across Pakistan, where enforcement of regulations is often criticized.
