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Fresh Fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza Likely Caused by Copper Theft Attempt
Another fire erupts at Karachi’s Gul Plaza, with authorities suspecting drug addicts burning wires to steal copper triggered the blaze.
ND
by News Desk
2026-03-23
Fresh Fire at Karachi’s Gul Plaza Likely Caused by Copper Theft Attempt

Authorities suspect that a fresh fire incident at Gul Plaza was triggered by individuals attempting to extract copper from electrical wiring in the building’s basement.

The blaze erupted on Sunday, nearly two months after a devastating fire at the same location claimed over 70 lives and exposed serious safety failures.

According to officials, the fire likely started when drug-addicted individuals entered the building to steal wires and other materials. Acting Deputy Commissioner South Amir Fazal Owaisi stated that initial findings point to the involvement of such individuals, adding that investigations are ongoing.

When police and fire brigade teams reached the scene, they reportedly found several suspects inside the premises. One individual was recovered unconscious from the basement and later shifted to Civil Hospital for treatment.

Police officials from Nabi Bakhsh station indicated that the suspects had allegedly set fire to electrical wiring in order to extract copper from it. During the process, the fire spread rapidly, trapping one of the individuals while others managed to flee.

The injured man was reportedly found bleeding from the ears and nose, indicating the severity of his condition.

Earlier, Gul Plaza Management Committee President Tanveer Pasta had also suggested that the fire may have been caused by individuals burning copper wiring in the debris-filled basement.

The latest incident has raised fresh concerns about security and safety measures at the building, which had already been under scrutiny following a deadly blaze in mid-January. That fire resulted in 79 fatalities and left dozens missing.

An official investigation into the earlier tragedy concluded that the fire had been sparked by a matchstick at a shop selling artificial flowers. The report highlighted widespread negligence, regulatory failures, and lack of safety compliance by both the mall administration and emergency response services.

Authorities are continuing their probe into the latest fire, focusing on the role of the suspects and potential lapses that allowed unauthorized individuals to access the building.
Tagged:

Karachi

FireIncident

UrbanSafety

GulPlaza
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