The Islamabad district magistrate on Wednesday constituted an inquiry committee to investigate a massive fire that tore through H-9 bazaar, one of the capital’s largest and busiest markets, with officials directing it to submit its findings within three days.
Fire Erupts at Popular Market
The blaze erupted on Tuesday night and spread through multiple sections of the market, prompting a large-scale firefighting operation involving Rescue 1122 teams and district administration officials. Authorities confirmed that no loss of life was reported. The H-9 bazaar, also known as the Sunday Bazaar or Itwar Bazaar, is one of Islamabad’s most popular budget shopping destinations, attracting thousands of visitors each week and housing hundreds of stalls selling clothing, household goods, food, and other items.
Official Statements and Committee Formation
“The fire was brought under control last night. There was no loss of human life, and a committee has been formed,” a spokesperson for the Islamabad deputy commissioner’s office said on Wednesday. According to a notification issued by the district magistrate, the committee has been tasked with assessing the response time of rescue services, determining the cause of the fire and factors that contributed to its spread, evaluating the extent of the damage, and recommending how unaffected sections of the market can continue operating safely.
The committee includes officials from the Islamabad administration, Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad, police, Rescue 1122, the Capital Development Authority, and civil defense authorities.
Fire Origin and Extent
In a statement issued on Tuesday night, the deputy commissioner’s office said the fire had started in the market’s clothing stalls. “Overall, the fire engulfed nine sections of the market,” the office said at the time. Authorities have not yet announced the cause of the blaze.
The incident has raised concerns about fire safety in the capital's markets, particularly in densely packed bazaars like H-9. The committee's report, due within three days, is expected to provide recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future.
