A major fire has ripped through a multi-storey shopping centre in Karachi, Pakistan, leaving at least six people dead and 20 others injured. The blaze erupted late on Saturday evening, sending thick plumes of smoke into the night sky as emergency services battled the flames.
Rapid Spread and Suspected Cause
The fire broke out at around 10 pm local time in the Garden subdivision of the southern Pakistani city. Initial findings from police officer Mohsin Raza suggest the fire started due to a short circuit in one of the shops, though a full investigation is underway. The flames spread with alarming speed through an area of the centre where shopkeepers had stored large quantities of imported garments, clothing, and plastic household goods, which acted as a potent fuel source.
Television footage from the scene showed firefighters in full protective gear working tirelessly to contain the inferno. Fortunately, most shop owners had already closed their premises and left for the day when the fire ignited, potentially preventing a far greater loss of life.
A Recurring Tragedy in Karachi
This incident is a grim reminder of the persistent fire safety issues in Karachi, the capital of Sindh province. Many structures across the city and wider country lack adequate fire prevention and firefighting systems. Tragically, such disasters are not uncommon. In a chillingly similar event in November 2023, a fire at another Karachi shopping centre killed 10 people and injured 22.
In response to the latest tragedy, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has directed authorities to take "all necessary measures" to protect lives and property. He also called for support to be provided to the affected traders and those injured in the blaze.
Aftermath and Ongoing Concerns
The aftermath of the fire leaves a community in shock and raises urgent questions about building safety regulations. The combination of flammable materials stored in commercial premises and inadequate safety infrastructure creates a dangerous environment that has now led to another devastating loss of life.
As the investigation continues to determine the exact cause, the focus for many will be on whether this latest catastrophe will finally spur meaningful action to improve fire safety standards and prevent such a tragedy from happening again.
