A fire that erupted at Islamabad’s H-9 Sunday Bazaar on Tuesday night has been mostly brought under control after extensive efforts by district administration and rescue teams throughout the day. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has sealed off the market, closing all entry points while cooling operations continue to prevent any flare-ups.
Fire brigade vehicles and personnel remain stationed at the site as smoke still rises from parts of the market. Officials confirmed the fire had affected nine sections of the bazaar, with seven now extinguished. The latest update from the administration indicated that approximately 80 percent of the fire has been doused, with firefighting efforts ongoing in the remaining areas.
Rescue 1122 teams from Rawalpindi have also been actively involved in relief and firefighting operations. Authorities have confirmed that no casualties have been reported so far. Initial the fire originated in cloth stalls, and an investigation into the cause is currently underway.
In a related development, district administration officials highlighted ongoing crackdowns on the use of LPG cylinders in the market, noting that nine shopkeepers were arrested the previous day alone. A complete ban on LPG cylinders in commercial markets is already enforced to prevent such hazards.
Meanwhile, the All Pakistan Anjuman-e-Tajiran has issued a statement holding the CDA’s Disaster Management wing accountable for the delayed response to the fire. Ajmal Baloch, president of the traders’ body, criticized the administration, stating this is the fourth major fire incident causing losses worth crores of rupees. He demanded the immediate removal of the CDA’s Director General of Disaster Management.
Baloch emphasized that fires must be controlled within seven minutes to avoid extensive damage and pointed out that the administration had been repeatedly advised to position fire brigade vehicles between each market sector. He also recalled that a former CDA chairman had issued orders to implement this precaution, which were never acted upon.
“Those responsible must be identified and held accountable,” Baloch asserted. The traders’ association expressed solidarity with all affected vendors and warned that if the government fails to provide compensation for the losses, they will organize a formal protest.
