The Gul Plaza fire in Karachi, which occurred on January 17, 2026, has been a focal point of recent news, revealing systemic failures in safety measures and emergency response. According to Tribune Latest, the fire, which claimed 80 lives, was reportedly ignited by a 13-year-old playing with matchsticks. Eyewitnesses described the rapid spread of the fire and the failure of initial firefighting efforts. The Financial Daily highlighted the institutional negligence, pointing out that 'almost all agencies involved are responsible,' including the Sindh Building Control Authority, which failed to enforce fire safety codes. The fire exposed severe shortcomings in emergency exits, smoke ventilation, and fire alarms, leading to a tragic loss of life. In response, the Sindh government has initiated a judicial probe, as reported by Dunya News, but the inquiry has been delayed due to bureaucratic hurdles.