A City in Mourning After a Tragic Fire
Karachi continues to mourn after a devastating fire tore through Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road. The blaze struck a busy commercial building and claimed at least 26 lives. Meanwhile, dozens of families still wait anxiously for news of missing relatives.
Rescue teams remain at the scene and move carefully through unstable floors and heavy debris. At the same time, thick smoke still hangs in parts of the building. Because of these dangers, the search has moved forward slowly.
According to rescue officials, at least 83 people remain missing. Therefore, emergency workers have extended operations late into the night. Families gather near the site and hope for answers with every update.
Moreover, this tragedy has once again exposed serious concerns about fire safety in Karachi. Over the past decade, several major fires have killed hundreds across Pakistan. In many cases, investigators later discovered blocked exits, faulty wiring and missing alarms.
Yet, amid the destruction and grief, one unexpected moment has drawn national attention.
A Viral Video From the Ruins
During a search operation, a rescue officer recorded a short video on his phone. Shortly afterward, the clip spread rapidly across social media platforms.
In the footage, smoke still fills the air. Burned furniture and twisted metal line the floors. Then, the rescuer walks into a small mosque located on the first floor.
Inside, a striking sight appears.
Several copies of the Holy Qur’an rest on shelves and prayer stands. Although the fire raged nearby, the flames did not touch the books. Their covers remain clean. Their pages show no burn marks.
The rescuer gently gathers the Qur’ans. Then, he carries them carefully to a safer place outside the damaged area.
As a result, viewers across Pakistan shared the video widely. Many described the scene as miraculous. Others posted prayers and words of reflection.
For some families, these images offered brief comfort during an otherwise painful time.
The Mosque Escaped Major Damage
Soon afterward, rescue officials confirmed that the mosque suffered little harm.
The first-floor mosque is now clear, a spokesperson said. No one was inside at the time.
Fortunately, the flames never reached the prayer area. The walls remained intact. The shelves stood firm.
However, the rest of the building did not escape the same fate. Nearby shops and offices burned completely. Corridors collapsed in several sections.
This sharp contrast strengthened public reaction. While many expressed gratitude, others urged authorities to focus on preventing future disasters.
Human Loss and an Ongoing Search
Despite the emotional impact of the viral video, the human toll remains severe.
Authorities have confirmed 26 deaths so far. Most victims worked inside the building. Others had come for business or deliveries.
Meanwhile, rescue teams continue their difficult search for the missing. They now use cranes and cutting tools to remove heavy debris. In addition, medical teams remain on standby in case survivors appear.
Hospitals across the city treated dozens of injured people. Some patients still remain in critical condition.
Because many victims suffered severe burns, identification has become challenging. Therefore, officials may rely on DNA testing in several cases.
With each passing hour, the pain of waiting grows heavier for families.
Questions About Safety and Responsibility
As recovery efforts continue, questions about safety grow louder.
Witnesses said smoke filled stairwells within minutes. Some survivors reported blocked exits. Others said emergency lights failed during the chaos.
Fire safety experts have long warned about weak enforcement in Karachi. Many commercial buildings ignore basic safety rules. Illegal extensions, overloaded wiring and locked exits remain common problems.
Now, authorities have promised a full investigation. They say they will identify those responsible. Furthermore, inspection teams plan to examine nearby buildings for similar risks.
At the same time, public pressure continues to rise for stricter laws and stronger enforcement.
Faith and Reflection in the Midst of Tragedy
Amid sorrow, anger and fear, the untouched Qur’ans have become a powerful symbol of faith.
Religious scholars urged people not to overlook the suffering behind the images. This moment should guide us toward compassion, one cleric said. Faith must lead us to action and care.
As Karachi buries its dead and searches for the missing, the images from the mosque remain deeply moving.
Even in the darkest moments, small signs of hope can still appear and remind people of resilience.
