The Gul Plaza Tragedy: Why Fire Safety Must Be at the Heart of Every Design

On the night of January 17, 2026, a devastating fire broke out at Gul Plaza shopping centre in Karachi's Saddar area. What began as a small fire in a ground-floor shop quickly became one of Pakistan's deadliest building disasters in recent years, claiming 61 lives and leaving over 85 people missing.

The tragedy has left families shattered and a community in mourning. But beyond the immediate grief, it has exposed a harsh reality: many of our commercial buildings are not designed or maintained with adequate fire safety measures.

As architects and design professionals, we have a responsibility that goes beyond aesthetics and functionality. We design spaces where people live, work, shop, and gather — and those spaces must protect the lives within them.

What Went Wrong at Gul Plaza

The investigation into the Gul Plaza fire has revealed multiple critical failures:

• 13 of 16 exits were locked at the time of the fire
• No emergency exits, fire alarms, or sprinkler systems were installed
• No fire extinguishers or fire hoses were available
• Limited ventilation allowed smoke to spread rapidly
• Flammable materials throughout the building accelerated the blaze
• The building housed 1,200 shops across multiple floors with inadequate safety infrastructure

Survivors described scenes of panic as smoke filled the building within minutes. Many exits were locked because the mall was near closing time. People were trapped with no way out.

One fire official noted: "If they had a fire extinguisher in the first shop where the fire initially erupted, they could have put it out there and then."

This wasn't a natural disaster. This was preventable.

The Role of Architecture in Fire Safety

Fire safety isn't an afterthought or a checkbox on a compliance form. It must be integrated into every stage of architectural design:

Planning & Design Phase

• Multiple, clearly marked emergency exits that cannot be locked from the inside
• Fire-resistant materials and construction methods
• Proper compartmentalization to contain fire spread
• Adequate ventilation systems that prevent smoke accumulation
• Clear evacuation routes with proper signage

Building Systems

• Automatic fire detection and alarm systems
• Sprinkler systems and fire suppression equipment
• Emergency lighting and backup power
• Fire-rated doors and barriers
• Accessible fire extinguishers on every floor

Spatial Planning

• Wide corridors and stairwells for safe evacuation
• No dead-end passages or confusing layouts
• Proper spacing between buildings to prevent fire spread
• Safe assembly points outside the building

Ongoing Maintenance

• Regular fire safety audits and inspections
• Staff training on emergency procedures
• Clear evacuation plans posted throughout the building
• Functional fire safety equipment at all times

Karachi's Commercial Buildings: A Wake-Up Call

Gul Plaza is not an isolated case. Many commercial buildings across Karachi — and Pakistan — operate without adequate fire safety measures. Old buildings constructed decades ago may not meet modern safety standards, while newer constructions sometimes prioritize cost-cutting over safety compliance.

The Sindh Building Control Authority had approved Gul Plaza's plans, yet the building lacked basic fire safety infrastructure. This points to a systemic issue: gaps between building codes, enforcement, and real-world implementation.

As a city that continues to grow rapidly, Karachi needs architects, developers, and authorities to work together to ensure every building — old or new — meets fire safety standards.

Our Responsibility as Architects

At ZADS Architecture, we believe that good design saves lives.

When we plan a commercial space, residential building, or mixed-use development, fire safety is never negotiable. It's built into our design philosophy from day one:

• We conduct thorough risk assessments for every project
• We design multiple evacuation routes and emergency exits
• We specify fire-resistant materials and construction methods
• We integrate modern fire detection and suppression systems
• We work with fire safety consultants and engineers
• We ensure compliance with local and international safety standards

Architecture is about creating spaces that enhance life — and that means protecting the people who use those spaces.

Moving Forward: What Needs to Change

The Gul Plaza tragedy should be a turning point for Pakistan's construction industry:

For Building Owners & Developers

Invest in fire safety infrastructure. Conduct regular safety audits. Never compromise on life safety to save costs.

For Architects & Engineers

Prioritize fire safety in every design. Stay updated on best practices. Advocate for safety even when clients resist.

For Regulatory Authorities

Enforce building codes strictly. Conduct regular inspections. Hold violators accountable.

For the Public

Demand safety standards. Ask questions about fire safety before renting or buying commercial space. Report violations.

In Memory, With Purpose

The 61 lives lost at Gul Plaza cannot be brought back. But we can honor their memory by ensuring such a tragedy never happens again.

Every building we design, every project we undertake, every decision we make as architects carries the weight of responsibility. People trust us to create spaces that are not just beautiful and functional, but safe.

If you're planning a commercial development, office space, or residential project in Karachi, we encourage you to prioritize fire safety from the very beginning. It's not just about compliance — it's about protecting lives.

At ZADS Architecture, we're committed to designing spaces that people can trust. Spaces where families shop without fear. Where workers feel secure. Where life is protected by design.

Let's build a safer Karachi, together.