Gul Plaza Karachi Fire: Which Roads Are Blocked Today?

At least 14 people have died and many more have gone missing as a result of a massive fire that took place at Gul Plaza on M.A. Jinnah Road. With the rescue crews moving into the burned building today, January 19, 2026, the city is in a significant traffic jam. The road authorities have released a serious update about the current road closures in Karachi today.

The fire, which broke out at Gul Plaza Karachi late one Saturday night, was probably caused by a short circuit on the ground floor. That fire took a total of 33 plus hours and burnt down over 1,200 stores and cost them over Rs3 billion. This is because the heavy machinery is still busy trying to stabilize the weakened structure by the use of heavy machinery, despite the fact that the air is still filled with smoke.

The fire has been controlled, but the number of people missing is the biggest priority of the search. Families are waiting in the plaza hoping that they will get news of their loved ones. Authorities attested that the majority of the victims succumbed to suffocation.

Karachi Roads Update Today: Major Blockages

If you are commuting, you must check the Karachi roads update today before leaving. Emergency teams near Gul Plaza need clear access to the disaster zone. M.A. Jinnah Road is fully closed between Anklesaria Chowk and Central Plaza.

Current Traffic Diversions:

• From Tibet Center: Traffic is being diverted toward Jubilee and Garden.
• From Sea Breeze Plaza: Vehicles are redirected toward Saddar and I.I. Chundrigar Road.
• From Tower: Commuters must use alternative routes via Preedy Street.

Why Roads are Blocked in Karachi Today

The reason why roads are blocked in Karachi today extends beyond the fire itself. Structural experts from the Sindh government are checking if the building might collapse. This risk has forced the police to cordone off a wide radius.

Avoid the downtown area entirely to assist the Gul Plaza fire recovery teams. Use Shahrah-e-Quaideen or the Lyari Expressway to bypass the congestion. Stay updated through official traffic police channels for real-time changes.