KARACHI – A massive fire erupted in the basement of the Dubai Shopping Mall on Tariq Road, one of Karachi’s busiest commercial hubs, causing panic among shoppers and traders. While several shops were affected, no casualties were reported among civilians.
Rescue Operation and Casualties According to a spokesperson for Rescue 1122, fire and rescue teams were dispatched immediately after the Central Command and Control was alerted. Five fire tenders participated in the cooling process while smoke-evacuating machines were used to clear the basement, which housed several garment shops and warehouses. During the operation, two firefighters identified as Bilal and Sikandar lost consciousness due to heavy smoke inhalation and were provided immediate medical assistance on-site.
Official Statements Chief Fire Officer Humayun Khan confirmed that the fire was successfully contained due to a timely response. He stated that the cause of the fire is currently under investigation, adding that the swift action prevented the blaze from spreading to the upper floors of the mall.
Recognition and Rewards Acknowledging the bravery and efficiency of the rescue teams, the Market Association announced a reward of PKR 1 million for the fire brigade personnel. Additionally, an extra PKR 200,000 was announced specifically for firefighter Sikandar, who fell ill during the rescue effort.
Traffic Advisory To facilitate the emergency operation, the Karachi Traffic Police diverted traffic on both sides of Tariq Road, specifically from Ittihad Chowk to Liberty Chowk. Commuters are advised to use alternative lanes to avoid congestion as traffic wardens remain on-site to manage the flow of vehicles in the surrounding streets.
