Massive fire ravages 200 huts in Karachi's Gulistan-e-Jauhar

Blaze was likely caused by short circuit during the removal of illegal electricity connections

A massive fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday in Gulistan-e-Jauhar’s Block 12 near Munawar Chowrangi, reducing more than 200 huts to ashes along with personal belongings, motorcycles, and livestock. Fortunately, no human lives were lost.

According to fire officials, the blaze was likely caused by a short circuit during the removal of illegal electricity connections. However, an investigation is under way. The fire erupted between Saturday night and Sunday morning, prompting a swift response from four Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) fire brigade vehicles and three Rescue 1122 tenders.

Due to the intensity of the flames and a shortage of water, additional support was provided by KMC water bowsers and tankers. Firefighters battled the blaze for over two hours, finally bringing it under control around 2:30am. Cooling operations were delayed until 5:30am when water supply resumed.

The affected plot housed roughly 500 huts, of which more than 200 were completely destroyed. Residents reported losing motorcycles and livestock, including goats, sheep, cats, and other animals. Many said the fire erupted while they were asleep, leaving them with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

Most residents have lived on the plot for over a decade, earning their livelihood through daily labour. Many hail from Punjab and Balochistan. Victims described the fire as a devastating blow, saying their life savings had been wiped out. They appealed to the Sindh government and philanthropists for urgent relief and assistance.

“We ran out in panic with nothing but the clothes we were wearing. Now we have nothing to wear, nothing to cover ourselves with,” said one resident.

The fire brigade team remained on site for several hours before concluding operations. The blaze has left hundreds displaced and in immediate need of shelter and support.