Save Our Pak
Karachi (January 19, 2026): A shopkeeper who was rescued unconscious during the deadly fire at Gul Plaza has shared frightening details of what happened inside the shopping center.
The shopkeeper, Zubair, was taken to Civil Hospital in an unconscious condition. While speaking to the media after regaining consciousness, he said that he fainted soon after the fire broke out. He revealed that Gul Plaza has a total of 26 gates, but after 10:00 pm, 24 of these gates were locked, leaving only two exits open.
Zubair explained that the situation became much worse once the doors were closed. At the time the fire reached their shop, several relatives were present there. He said more than 20 people were inside their shop when the fire started. As the flames spread, thick smoke and darkness filled the building, making it difficult to breathe and see.
He further stated that the shopping center had no emergency exit at all. The fire started on the ground floor, while they were on the ninth floor. The fire spread rapidly, and smoke quickly filled the entire market. Workers, shopkeepers, and shoppers gathered together in panic. After coming out of the shop, Zubair said he collapsed and lost consciousness.
Statement of Zubair’s Cousin
Zubair’s cousin also spoke to the media and said that they entered the building on their own to rescue him. He shared that 12 to 15 people, including women, were inside their shop at the time. Due to heavy smoke, breathing became extremely difficult.
He added that when they contacted another cousin inside the building, he began apologizing and said that he believed they would not survive.
Zubair’s cousin said they personally helped many people escape from the building. Some people had fallen unconscious and were lying on the ground. He added that they kept praying to God, hoping at least to recover the bodies so proper burials could be carried out.
Reported by Save Our Pak
