The Capital Development Authority has identified multiple safety violations and inadequate fire protection measures as key factors behind the devastating fire at Islamabad’s H-9 Sunday Bazaar.
According to the authority’s preliminary investigation, the blaze, which broke out on Tuesday night, destroyed nearly 370 shops before firefighters brought it under control after more than three hours.
The report states that emergency crews reached the scene within two minutes of receiving the call at 9:53 p.m. The fire was contained by 1:15 a.m., while cooling operations continued the following day to prevent the fire from reigniting.
A total of 122 personnel, including eight senior officers, participated in the operation. The response was supported by 17 fire engines, 15 water bowsers, and seven ambulances from the CDA, Rescue Rawalpindi, Cantonment Board Rawalpindi, the Pakistan Navy, and Bahria Town.
Three people were injured during the incident. One was shifted to Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences for treatment, while two others received medical assistance at the scene.
Investigators found that emergency operations were hampered by large crowds, with some individuals allegedly obstructing rescue efforts, manhandling firefighters, and snatching hosepipes. The absence of nearby fire hydrants and designated fire points also delayed firefighting operations.
The preliminary report further highlighted several violations of safety regulations, including the use of tarpaulin sheets, storage of combustible materials inside shops after business hours, and the presence of illegal gas cylinders and stoves.
Following the findings, the CDA has recommended the immediate installation of proper fire safety infrastructure and stricter enforcement of fire safety inspections and standards across commercial markets to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
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