A massive fire broke out at Gul Plaza, a crowded shopping mall in Karachi, Pakistan, on Saturday night. The fire claimed at least 27 lives, with more than 70 people still missing. Many were trapped inside as most of the mall’s exits were locked due to closing time, worsening the panic. Rehan Faisal, a bedsheet shop owner, escaped only after breaking down a locked door. Shoiab, a 19-year-old worker, witnessed chaos with thick smoke and dense crowds. "No-one knew it would spread so much," Faisal said. The fire started around 10 pm local time, but the exact cause remains unknown. Rescue operations face delays as the mall’s unstable structure risks collapse. Dr Abid Jalaluddin Sheikh said many bodies are unrecognisable, requiring forensic tests. Mourning families gathered outside the smouldering building, desperate for news. Muhammad Qaiser reported his wife, sister, and daughter-in-law missing, while Haroon’s brother called for help from inside but could not be saved. Frustration is mounting as locals criticize slow emergency response. Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab faced protests at the scene. Officials said the first emergency call came at 10:38 pm, with firefighters arriving late. Sindh’s Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah promised an inquiry, and lawmakers urged urgent reforms in building safety and disaster response. Meanwhile, survivors and families mourn their losses, questioning when similar tragedies will end. "This is the third fire in Saddar area recently," said resident Muhammed Arif. "How long will this continue and how many more must die?"