Karachi Mall Fire Kills 23, Dozens Still Missing

Rescue teams and firefighters use heavy equipment to sift through the debris of a fire-damaged multi-storey shopping complex after a major blaze in Karachi, Pakistan, on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.

The death toll from a major fire at a shopping plaza in Karachi rose to 23 on Monday, with rescue teams continuing to search the heavily damaged building for dozens of missing people.

The blaze, which broke out on Sunday, was brought under control nearly 24 hours later, allowing rescuers to begin operations inside the multistory structure. City police chief Asad Raza warned the number of fatalities could rise as 46 people remain unaccounted for.

Only six victims have been identified so far. Police surgeon Dr. Summaiya Syed said most bodies were badly burned and unrecognizable, requiring DNA testing. Samples are being collected from relatives of those reported missing.

Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah confirmed that a firefighter was among the dead and announced compensation of 10 million rupees ($36,000) for each bereaved family. Rescue efforts continued late into Monday night, hampered by unstable sections of the building where people were believed trapped. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said operations would continue until all missing persons are found.

Chief rescue officer Dr. Abid Jalal Sheikh said the fire spread rapidly due to shops storing flammable goods such as clothing, cosmetics, and plastics. Outside the charred plaza, anxious relatives awaited news. Qaiser Ali said his wife, daughter-in-law, and sister had gone shopping for a wedding and lost contact during the fire.

Survivor Saifur Rehman recounted escaping the blaze, but his brother, who owned a shop in the plaza, remained inside. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.

Karachi has experienced several deadly fires in recent years, often linked to weak safety regulations and illegal construction. Past incidents include a 2023 shopping mall fire that killed 10 people and a 2012 garment factory fire that claimed 260 lives.