Death toll in Karachi mall fire climbs to 55

January 22, 2026 / 9:37 AM

Sharjah24 - AFP: The death toll from a devastating fire at a shopping mall in Pakistan’s largest city has risen to at least 55, according to a Karachi government official speaking to AFP on Thursday. Javed Nabi Khoso, deputy commissioner of Karachi’s south district, confirmed that “a total of 55 bodies have been recovered since Saturday night,” when the blaze first broke out.

Families Criticise slow rescue efforts

Relatives of those still unaccounted for have voiced frustration over the pace of operations at the three-storey Gul Plaza, where rescue teams continue to search through the debris for human remains.

DNA samples collected for identification

Provincial health official Summaiya Syed told reporters on Wednesday that more than 50 families have submitted DNA samples to assist with identification. Speaking outside the Civil Hospital Karachi mortuary, she said that bodies would be handed over to families once DNA matches are confirmed.

Emotional appeals from relatives

Faraz Ali, whose father and 26-year-old brother were inside the mall at the time of the fire, said his only wish is for the victims to be recovered and returned to their families. “At least let us see them one last time… so that we may say our final goodbye,” he said.

Investigation underway

While fires are frequent in Karachi’s markets and factories due to poor infrastructure, an incident of this magnitude is rare. A government committee has launched an investigation into the tragedy, though the cause of the fire has not yet been determined.