Gul Plaza Ablaze

March 24, 2026

Newspaper, Opinions, Editorials

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It appears that the ordeal of Karachi’s Gul Plaza is far from over. Only a short while after the devastating blaze that claimed more than 70 lives, the charred structure caught fire once again, requiring multiple fire tenders and several hours to bring under control. This disturbing recurrence raises serious questions about oversight and again casts doubt on the competence of the city’s civil, law enforcement and municipal authorities, who allowed such a situation to unfold.

The official explanation—that three homeless drug addicts entered the rain-damaged building to scavenge and inadvertently started the fire—remains unconvincing. It fails to adequately explain the circumstances that led to another blaze in a structure already under scrutiny following a major tragedy. Whether or not these individuals were involved, the larger issue is difficult to ignore. After a catastrophic incident that triggered high-level inquiries and the preparation of judicial proceedings, there appears to have been little meaningful follow-through in terms of policy enforcement or preventive measures.

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The site was left unattended, and flammable materials reportedly remained in the building’s basement. In the aftermath of such a deadly fire, basic precautions should have been non-negotiable. Instead, the same vulnerabilities persisted, culminating in yet another incident that could have been avoided. The suspension of eight policemen assigned to the site is a necessary first step, but it is far from sufficient. Accountability must extend beyond immediate dereliction of duty.

The more pressing questions lie at higher levels of responsibility. Why were hazardous materials not removed from the premises? Why was access to a compromised and dangerous structure not strictly controlled? And most importantly, why does Karachi continue to repeat the same mistakes in the wake of preventable disasters?

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If this second fire is not to become part of a recurring pattern, then answers must be demanded and acted upon.

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