A devastating fire swept through the H-9 Sunday Bazaar in Islamabad late Tuesday night, reducing hundreds of stalls and their merchandise to ashes. The blaze erupted between 10pm and 11pm near Peshawar Mor and rapidly spread across multiple sections of the bustling market.
Firefighting Operation
Six fire tenders from Rescue 1122 were deployed to combat the flames, with additional support from the Pakistan Navy's fire brigade. According to the district administration, the fire engulfed a total of nine sections of the market. Sources confirmed that more than 380 stalls were affected, though no casualties were reported. An initial assessment of financial losses is currently underway.
Traders Allege Conspiracy
Affected traders expressed frustration over the delayed response of government officials, claiming that fires have become a recurring problem at the market. Speaking to The Express Tribune, Abdul Rehman Khan, president of the traders' association of H Section, alleged that the incident was not accidental but part of a conspiracy. He stated, "Rescue agencies reached the scene too late, allowing the fire to spread extensively."
