Pakistan: Deadly Karachi mall fire highlights safety and rescue failures

Thursday 22 January 2026 - 09:00

By: Sahili Aya

Pakistan: Deadly Karachi mall fire highlights safety and rescue failures

Rescue teams in Pakistan’s largest city continued operations several days after a devastating fire tore through a commercial mall in Karachi, killing at least 60 people and leaving dozens missing. The tragedy has reignited debate over inadequate safety regulations and limited emergency response capacity in the densely populated metropolis.

The blaze engulfed a multi-story shopping complex located on a major commercial avenue, trapping workers and shoppers inside as flames and thick smoke spread rapidly. Survivors described scenes of panic as people struggled to escape, while many were unable to reach exits on the upper floors.

Authorities say search efforts will continue until all victims are accounted for, though hopes of finding survivors have diminished. The incident is being described as the deadliest urban fire in the city in more than a decade.

Beyond the human toll, the disaster has exposed long-standing structural problems. Karachi has witnessed hundreds of fires each year, often linked to poor enforcement of building codes, overcrowding, and a lack of fire prevention measures. Emergency services remain under-resourced in a city of nearly 20 million residents.

Local officials have acknowledged gaps in safety standards and announced new directives requiring public and private buildings to comply with fire regulations. However, experts argue that meaningful change will require comprehensive urban planning reforms, stronger oversight, and major investment in firefighting and rescue infrastructure.