A deadly fire at Karachi's Gul Plaza shopping center claimed at least 23 lives, including a firefighter. The blaze, the city's worst in over a decade, erupted late Saturday. Rescue efforts continue as dozens remain missing.

The fire engulfed the three-story commercial building, home to over 1,200 shops. Firefighters battled the inferno for over 24 hours before fully extinguishing it. Parts of the building collapsed due to the intense heat. Debris and poor visibility hampered rescue operations.

City authorities are assessing the structural damage. Investigations into the cause of the fire are underway. The incident has triggered widespread concern about safety regulations in Karachi's commercial buildings.

Gul Plaza is a major shopping destination in Karachi. The fire highlights long-standing issues with building safety and emergency response in the city. A 2012 Karachi factory fire, ruled as arson, resulted in death sentences for two individuals, underscoring the severity of past incidents.

Authorities will likely review building codes and enforcement. The focus shifts to identifying the deceased and supporting affected families. The incident raises critical questions about preventing future tragedies.