Fire incidents in Pakistan: what the numbers say (2023–2026)

Fire statistics in Pakistan are published by Rescue 1122 and city fire services, usually through annual reports and statements to the media. Put together, they show a clear message: fires are frequent, most are preventable, and electrical faults lead the list of causes.

Punjab: rising, then levelling at a high number

According to figures reported by The Express Tribune, Punjab recorded 28,495 fire incidents in 2025 – 3.34% more than in 2024 – with 99 deaths and over 1,000 injuries. The 2024 total had itself been 35% higher than 2023. (Earlier-year values in the chart are calculated from these reported percentages.)

Why fires start

Short circuits caused 10,018 of Punjab's 2025 fires – more than a third – followed by negligence (5,755), gas leaks (1,355), candles (1,315) and kitchen fires (340). Electrical inspection, correct cable sizing, gas detection and early smoke detection target the biggest slices of this chart.

Karachi: thousands of fires a year

Karachi recorded about 2,800 fires in 2023 and more than 3,000 in the first eleven months of 2024, according to figures presented at the Fire Protection Association of Pakistan's national conference. Official records cited by The News put 2025 at about 2,400, with October the busiest month (278). January 2026 alone saw 225 fires, including Gul Plaza.

Major incidents that shaped policy

• 2012 – Baldia Town factory, Karachi: 259 deaths (The News)
• 2015 – Regent Plaza, Karachi: 11 deaths
• 2021 – Mehran Town factory, Korangi: 16 deaths
• Nov 2023 – RJ Shopping Mall, Karachi: 11 deaths
• Jan 2026 – Gul Plaza, Karachi: 79 deaths reported officially; 13 of 16 exits found locked
• Aug 2026 – PIMS hospital, Islamabad: 14 infants killed