Massive Fire Erupts in Islamabad Clothes Market After Electrical Spark: Shops Burned, No Casualties Reported

Islamabad – June, 2025:
A sudden blaze hit an Islamabad clothing market, alarming vendors and shoppers. The incident took place due to a suspected electrical short circuit caused by overloaded and exposed wires. Although no lives were lost, dozens of shops were completely destroyed, causing heavy financial losses to small traders.

What Happened?

According to initial reports, the fire started around 1:45 PM in the heart of the market, which is known for selling clothes at wholesale and retail prices. Eyewitnesses said they saw sparks coming from a bundle of electric wires hanging dangerously over the shops. Within minutes, the fire spread rapidly due to the highly flammable fabric stored inside the shops.

“It started with a spark, and then all I could see was smoke and flames. People started running and shouting. It was chaos,” said Adeel Khan, a shopkeeper who was present at the scene.

Fire Spread Quickly Due to Fabric and Wind

The market, built with congested wooden stalls and temporary setups, had no proper fire safety measures in place. Due to the presence of synthetic fabrics, which catch fire quickly, the flames spread rapidly from one shop to another. Strong afternoon winds further fueled the blaze, making it difficult to control.

Videos shared on social media showed thick black smoke rising into the sky as people rushed to save their goods. Many shopkeepers risked their lives to go inside burning shops in an attempt to rescue their inventory.

Fire Brigade’s Response

Rescue 1122 and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) fire brigade arrived at the scene within 15 to 20 minutes of the first call. More than eight fire engines, along with water tankers and rescue teams, took part in the operation.

“It was a challenging operation. The area was narrow, and there were too many wires and flammable items. However, our teams worked hard and managed to bring the fire under control after nearly three hours,” said a spokesperson of Rescue 1122.

No Human Losses, But Huge Financial Damage

However, at least 50 clothing shops were either partially or completely destroyed, and there were no reports of deaths. Many shop owners broke down in tears, watching their hard-earned investments turn to ashes.

“I had just stocked up on new summer clothes. I’ve lost everything. There is nothing left,” said Imran Bashir, who has been running a shop in the market for over 10 years.

Rough estimates suggest that goods worth millions of rupees have been lost in the fire. Some traders did not have insurance, which makes recovery even more difficult for them.

Electrical Wiring – A Silent Danger

Local authorities and market representatives have long ignored the risky condition of electric wiring in the market.

Experts say that overloaded and outdated electric wiring is a serious issue in many old markets of Pakistan. In this case, dozens of wires were tangled together, unprotected, and exposed to open air and rain. When one of them sparked, the consequences were devastating.

Government Promises Action

Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad visited the site and met with the affected shopkeepers. He assured them that a full investigation would be carried out to determine the cause of the fire and identify those responsible for negligence.

“We are deeply concerned. Preliminary information suggests electrical failure, but we will not jump to conclusions. We are forming a committee to investigate and will ensure strict action is taken. Affected traders will also be given relief packages,” he said.

Need for Fire Safety in Public Markets

This tragic incident has once again highlighted the lack of fire safety awareness and planning in many public markets across Pakistan. Experts urge the need for:

• Regular inspection of electric wiring by licensed electricians
• Emergency exits and open pathways in markets
• Awareness training for shopkeepers and staff on how to handle fire emergencies

Shopkeepers Demand Compensation

Many traders have demanded compensation from the government and a special relief fund to help them restart their businesses. They also requested proper infrastructure reforms in the market to avoid such incidents in the future.

“We don’t want words. We want action. If the government had fixed the wires earlier, we wouldn’t be suffering today,” said Khalid Mehmood, a leader of the traders’ association.

Conclusion

The fire in Islamabad’s clothes market is a painful reminder of how a small electrical fault can turn into a major disaster if not addressed in time. While no lives were lost, the damage to livelihoods, dreams, and small businesses is heartbreaking.

Authorities must act quickly and responsibly—not only to help the victims recover but also to prevent such incidents from happening again in other parts of the city. Fire safety and electrical infrastructure must now become a national priority.