Karachi: Disturbing video footage has surfaced showing the initial interior moments of the devastating fire that broke out at Gul Plaza, a well-known shopping center located on M.A. Jinnah Road, Karachi, on Saturday night. The newly revealed visuals provide a chilling glimpse into the chaos, panic, and desperation faced by people trapped inside the building as the fire rapidly spread.

The video, reportedly recorded shortly after the blaze erupted, shows thick smoke filling corridors, flames advancing through shop areas, and people running in confusion in an attempt to escape. Voices can be heard urging others to abandon their belongings and move toward exits immediately. One person is clearly heard shouting, “Leave everything and get out, the situation upstairs is very bad, the fire is extremely intense.” These words reflect the fear and urgency that gripped those inside the commercial building at the time.

According to official updates, the death toll from the Gul Plaza fire has risen to 17, while 73 people are still reported missing, raising serious concerns that the number of casualties may increase further. The Sindh government’s help desk has confirmed that several women are also among the missing, adding to the tragedy and anguish faced by families searching for their loved ones.

Rescue officials stated that the fire has largely been brought under control, and cooling operations are currently underway to prevent any further flare-ups. However, the search operation inside the damaged and structurally unsafe building continues, with rescue teams carefully combing through debris and smoke-filled sections to locate missing individuals.

The fire broke out late Saturday night and spread rapidly from the ground floor to upper levels, fueled by flammable materials inside shops. Eyewitnesses and preliminary reports suggest that the building quickly filled with smoke, severely limiting visibility and making evacuation extremely difficult. Many occupants reportedly became disoriented, while some were trapped due to blocked or narrow exits.

The emergence of this video has renewed public debate over fire safety standards, emergency exits, and building regulations in Karachi’s commercial structures. Viewers can see how poor visibility, overcrowded spaces, and lack of clear evacuation routes contributed to the panic and delayed escape, turning a fire incident into a large-scale human tragedy.

Earlier, an alleged final audio message of a victim also surfaced on social media, in which the individual can be heard saying, “I am trapped from all sides,” further highlighting the terrifying conditions inside the building during the blaze. These audio and video recordings have deeply moved the public and intensified calls for accountability and reform.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, responding to the tragedy, announced that the families of those who lost their lives in the Gul Plaza fire will receive Rs 10 million (one crore rupees) each as compensation. He expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and stated that the provincial government is committed to supporting all affected families.

The chief minister also directed authorities to complete a forensic investigation into the incident to determine the exact cause of the fire and identify any negligence. Officials have emphasized that those found responsible for safety violations or regulatory failures will be held accountable.

Rescue authorities have urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information and to cooperate with emergency teams as operations continue. Families of missing persons have been advised to remain in contact with the official help desk for verified updates.

The Gul Plaza fire has once again exposed serious shortcomings in fire preparedness and urban safety planning in Karachi. As videos and firsthand accounts continue to emerge, pressure is mounting on authorities to ensure stricter enforcement of building codes and fire safety measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.