Karachi’s Gul Plaza shopping center, still bearing the scars of a devastating January inferno, became the scene of another fire on Sunday evening. Firefighters battled for hours to bring the blaze, which started in the basement, under control. Police quickly moved in, leading to the arrest of three individuals who are reportedly connected to the incident. This latest fire reignites concerns over the safety and security of the damaged structure.

The fire department received the call about the blaze around 5:00 PM, with six fire tenders responding to the scene. Despite significant efforts, including the deployment of a specialized response team formed after the previous disaster, the fire was only partially controlled by evening, with thick smoke continuing to seep from the building. Firefighters faced major challenges due to the lack of ventilation in the basement, complicating efforts to extinguish the flames effectively.

Initial reports suggested the fire spontaneously ignited in bushes within the basement. However, police investigations pointed towards a different cause. Police officials state that the fire appears to have been started by drug addicts who have been frequenting the premises. These individuals were taken into custody as the primary suspects in connection with the rekindled fire.

In the wake of the incident, eight police officers on duty at Gul Plaza have been suspended for negligence. Authorities had previously sealed the battered shopping center, but recent rains had further damaged its covering, making it accessible. Police had alerted relevant authorities about the security risks posed by the building, urging prompt repairs to prevent further incidents and safeguard public safety.

The January fire at Gul Plaza tragically claimed over 70 lives and destroyed hundreds of shops, leaving the building in a severely damaged state. The recurrence of a fire, even in the gutted structure, highlights ongoing security lapses and the persistent issue of individuals seeking shelter or engaging in illicit activities within unsafe, abandoned spaces across the city.