The Gul Plaza Shopping Centre, which used to echo with the hum of traders, bargaining voices, and the clatter of shutters opening in the morning and closing at night, was yet again the scene of a fire that broke out in its basement on Sunday evening, when the sharp smell of burning plastic and debris raised an alarm once more.
The Gul Plaza has long been a hub for small businesses in Karachi. Over the years, however, parts of its basement had fallen into neglect. Closed shops, broken wiring and accumulated garbage created a hazardous environment. The locals often complained about unauthorised access to these areas, where drug addicts were said to gather, scavenging for scrap or seeking shelter.
According to officials, flames erupted in the basement, feeding on piles of garbage and whatever remained inside shuttered shops. As the fire intensified, thick black smoke began to fill the building, making it difficult for anyone to enter without protection. Firefighters arrived swiftly, equipped with oxygen cylinders and masks, preparing to enter the suffocating darkness below.
Seven fire engines from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation and Rescue 1122 lined the street outside, their sirens cutting through the noise of gathering crowds. The operation was delicate. The basement layout was cramped, visibility was near zero, and the fire had multiple pockets, making it harder to contain.
Officials on the ground pointed to a troubling possibility. Deputy Commissioner Ameer Fazal Owaisi said the fire was likely started by drug addicts who had entered the building, possibly to steal wires and other materials.
When police and rescue teams reached the scene, several individuals were reportedly present inside. Three suspects were taken into custody and taken to the police station for further investigation.
The incident highlights a recurring issue in parts of the city, where abandoned or poorly maintained commercial spaces become vulnerable to misuse. What begins as neglect often turns into a public safety risk.
As the situation unfolded, Karachi Deputy Mayor Salman Abdullah Murad arrived on the scene, accompanied by the authorities concerned. He received a detailed briefing from fire brigade officials, and directed all the departments to work in close coordination. His presence signalled the seriousness of the situation, but also the need for immediate and unified action.
Behind the scenes, another critical operation was under way. The Karachi Water & Sewerage Corporation activated emergency measures, ensuring that fire engines had uninterrupted access to water.
Hydrants at Nipa and Safoora were put on emergency, while additional tankers were dispatched from Sakhi Hassan. Officials maintained constant communication with rescue teams, knowing that any disruption in water supply could worsen the crisis.
Despite the intensity of the fire, there were no immediate reports of casualties. Firefighters continued their efforts, working methodically to bring the flames under control and prevent them from spreading further.
