A massive fire swept through Islamabad’s H-9 Sunday Bazaar, destroying more than 70 shops and triggering a large-scale emergency response from rescue and firefighting teams.
According to rescue officials, the blaze erupted inside the popular market and spread rapidly through the crowded commercial area. Firefighters from Islamabad rushed to the scene and were later joined by additional fire tenders and Rescue 1122 teams from Rawalpindi to help contain the flames.
Authorities said the fire broke out at multiple locations within the bazaar, making the operation more challenging. Initial reports indicated that flames had erupted at nine different spots across the market. By the time officials provided an update, six of those locations had been brought under control, while firefighters continued efforts to extinguish the remaining affected sections.
Assistant Commissioner I-9 arrived at the scene and supervised the rescue and firefighting operation. The district administration later reported that approximately 75 percent of the fire had been contained, although cooling and monitoring work continued to prevent the blaze from reigniting.
No immediate reports of casualties were released, but extensive damage was reported to shops and merchandise. Authorities have begun assessing the financial losses suffered by traders affected by the incident.
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been determined, and investigations are underway. However, officials indicated that the use of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders could be one possible factor. The administration has repeatedly warned traders against using LPG cylinders in markets due to safety concerns.
Authorities noted that enforcement operations against illegal LPG cylinder use are conducted regularly across Islamabad’s commercial areas. Just a day before the incident, nine shopkeepers were reportedly arrested for violating restrictions on LPG cylinder usage.
The H-9 Sunday Bazaar is one of Islamabad’s busiest markets, attracting large numbers of shoppers and vendors. The fire has raised fresh concerns about safety measures, emergency preparedness, and compliance with regulations designed to prevent similar incidents in crowded commercial spaces.
Officials said a detailed investigation will determine the cause of the blaze and whether any negligence contributed to the incident.